OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of using calcium phosphate cement/amifostine complex as an new filling material for repairing bone defect caused by tumor resection.

METHODSCalcium phosphate cement (CPC)/cisplatin/amifostine complex was prepared at the mass ratio of 1000:2:5. The setting time, mechanical strength, and porosity of the complex were determined, and scanning electron microscopy and assessment of sustained drug release and inhibitory effect against osteosarcoma cells were carried out. The degradation of the material and new bone ingrowth were also observed in a rabbit model of femoral bone defect.

RESULTSThe setting time, strength, and porosity, appearances under scanning electron microscope, and sustained drug release properties of CPC/cisplatin/amifostine complex were identical to those of CPC, and the integration of amifostine in the complex did not affect the cytotoxicity of cisplatin against the osteosarcoma cells. Pathological evidences of the degradation of the material and new bone ingrowth into the material were observed with the passage of time following its implantation into the bone defect in rabbits.

CONCLUSIONThe CPC/cisplatin/amifostine complex can be used as a filling material for repairing bone defect caused by tumor resection and eliminating the residual tumor cells in rabbits.