Research outlook

Where osteosarcoma treatment is heading

Osteosarcoma · Updated Nov 13, 2026

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in teenagers and young adults, about 1,000 US cases a year. Chemotherapy (MAP) and surgery cure about two thirds of people whose cancer has not spread, a rate that has barely changed in 30 years. In 2026 the first phase 3 trial in relapsed disease succeeded.

  1. Now

    Nov 2026

    First phase 3 win at relapseHappened 67% lower risk of growth

    Risvutatug rezetecan cut the risk of growth by 67% vs chemotherapy in ARTEMIS-011.

    67%: lower risk of growth or death than gemcitabine-docetaxel.

    Lenvatinib delayed growth, not deathHappened

    Adding lenvatinib to chemotherapy did not extend survival in young people with relapse.

  2. 6 months

    by May 2027

    Full ARTEMIS-011 publicationPossible 67% lower risk of growth

    Survival data and peer-reviewed results will show whether the benefit lasts.

    67%: lower risk of growth or death than gemcitabine-docetaxel.

  3. 12 months

    by Nov 2027

    Mifamurtide added to chemotherapyPossible

    A French trial of the immune booster mifamurtide in high-risk osteosarcoma finished its main data collection in 2026.

  4. 3 years

    by late 2029

    HER2 immunotherapy after lung surgeryLong shot 71.2% alive at 3 years

    OST-HER2: 71.2% alive at 3 years vs 45.8% in past patients, needing a randomized test.

    71.2%: 3-year survival, vs 45.8% in historical controls.

    Antibody-drug conjugates move earlierLong shot

    If confirmed, B7-H3 and HER2 drugs could be tested as part of first treatment.

  5. 5 years

    by late 2031

    A European platform to test new drugs from diagnosisPossible

    FOSTER (530 people, Gustave Roussy) will test multiple new treatments within one trial through 2035.

Happened Likely Possible Long shot

The research paths

Breakthrough

Antibody-drug conjugates

67% lower risk of growth
Details and 1 trialsHide

Targeted chemotherapy carriers aimed at B7-H3 and HER2.

WatchARTEMIS-011 survival; regulatory filings.

Active

Immune treatments

71.2% alive at 3 years
Details and 1 trialsHide

Vaccines and immune boosters to prevent relapse after surgery.

WatchMifamurtide and OST-HER2.

Early

New ways to run trials

Details and 1 trialsHide

Platform trials test several drugs at once in this rare cancer.

WatchFOSTER enrollment.

Borrowed from other cancers

From Breast and stomach cancer

Trastuzumab deruxtecan

Phase 2

A HER2 antibody-drug conjugate tested in recurrent osteosarcoma.

From Thyroid and kidney cancer

Lenvatinib

Phase 2

A multi-target pill tested with chemotherapy.

Open to join now

See every recruiting Osteosarcoma trial →

When the trials finish

Completion dates the trials registered. Results usually follow 3 to 12 months later.

2026202720282029203020312032Today
Sep 2026
Trastuzumab deruxtecanAntibody-drug conjugates
Dec 2027
FOSTER platform trialNew ways to run trials
Jan 2035

Knowledge on the way

Not treatments yet: detection, causes and how care is delivered. Mostly NIH-funded.

What just happened

ARTEMIS-011: 67% lower risk of growth

ESMO 2026.

OST-HER2: 71.2% 3-year survival

Interim, vs historical controls.

Standard treatment today

How to read this page, and sourcesHow to read this page, and sources

See Osteosarcoma trials recruiting now →

Last reviewed 2026-11-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.