DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed, newly diagnosed (within one month of biopsy) malignant high grade osteosarcoma Must have pulmonary metastases (two or more nodules) and/or disease involving other bones or organs Must be an intent to resect at least one primary and/or metastatic site following preoperative chemotherapy Must have at least 1 evaluable site of disease No radiation induced sarcoma No osteosarcoma arising in premalignant bony lesions (e.g. Paget's disease)