Psychosocial Outcomes in Long-term Survivors of High-grade Osteosarcoma: A Japanese Single-center Experience

Aim: The psychosocial outcomes in long-term survivors of osteosarcoma were investigated. Patients and Methods: A questionnaire concerning the psychosocial status was completed by 30 long-term survivors of osteosarcoma. The family APGAR was employed for the evaluation of family function, social support questionnaire (SSQ) for social support, impact of event scale-revised (IES-R) for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI) for posttraumatic growth (PTG). Results: The family APGAR and SSQ scores were comparable to those of controls. The IES-R score was low, showing a low incidence of PTSS. The PTGI score was high, revealing marked PTG. On multiple regression analysis regarding the IES-R as a dependent variable, the family APGAR was associated with the IES-R. On multiple regression analysis regarding the PTGI as a dependent variable, the age at diagnosis, state of the affected limb and SSQ were associated with the PTGI. Conclusion: The incidence of PTSS was low, and PTG was marked in the long-term survivors of osteosarcoma. A high age at onset and amputation of the affected limb were associated with PTG. Support of the family function reduces PTSS, and the strengthening of social support facilitates PTG.