TITLE:
Epidemiology, Management and Outcomes of Primary Bone Sarcomas in a Moroccan Tertiary Cancer Center: A Retrospective Study
AUTHORS:
Ismael Coulibaly, Asmaa Ait Mouaal, Abou Dao, Apolos Abel Nicolas Minoungou, Nioka Pierre Xavier Sia, Nezha Tawfiq
KEYWORDS:
Bone Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Epidemiology, Africa, Diagnostic Delay, Survival, Multidisciplinary Care
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.17 No.10,
October
19,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Primary bone sarcomas are rare malignant tumors with significant morbidity and mortality. Data from African settings remain limited, particularly regarding diagnostic delays and access to multidisciplinary care. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and outcome characteristics of patients with bone sarcomas treated in a Moroccan tertiary cancer center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study including patients with histologically confirmed primary malignant bone sarcoma treated between January 2018 and December 2020 at the Mohammed VI Center for Cancer Treatment, Casablanca. Data were extracted from medical records and analyzed using SPSS software. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 94 patients were included, representing 0.85% of all cancers treated during the study period. The median age was 28 years, with a male predominance (58.5%). The mean diagnostic delay was 8.6 months. Osteosarcoma was the most frequent histological subtype (52.1%), followed by Ewing sarcoma (23.4%) and chondrosarcoma (12.8%). Lower limb involvement was predominant (59.6%). Only 23.4% of patients were discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board. At last follow-up, 41.5% of patients were lost to follow-up. The estimated overall survival at 56 months was 68%, although interpretation is limited due to the high rate of censored data. Conclusion: Bone sarcomas in our setting are characterized by delayed diagnosis, limited multidisciplinary management, and high loss to follow-up. These factors represent major barriers to optimal outcomes. Strengthening early diagnosis pathways and structured sarcoma care is essential.