OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the efficacy of three intensification regimens (doxorubicin vs doxorubicin plus ifosfamide vs doxorubicin plus ifosfamide and etoposide) in patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated, nonmetastatic osteosarcoma. II. Determine the effect of postoperative dose intensification on outcome in patients with standard response to preoperative chemotherapy. III. Determine the effect of dexrazoxane cardioprotection during standard induction therapy on histologic response in these patients. IV. Evaluate biological factors that may predict outcome in these patients. V. Determine the safety of dexrazoxane administered with doxorubicin in combination with cisplatin or cisplatin and ifosfamide in these patients. VI. Determine the effect of dexrazoxane on cytotoxicity as measured by tumor necrosis at definitive surgery in these patients. VII. Assess the feasibility of administering doxorubicin with dexrazoxane cardioprotection or high dose ifosfamide with etoposide to standard risk patients who are also receiving methotrexate and cisplatin.