Higher local recurrence rates after intralesional surgery for giant cell tumor of the proximal femur compared to other sites

The Role of Bone Grafting vs. Bone Cement in the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Risk of Recurrence in 1,454 Patients

BACKGROUND

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) presents a challenge in management due to its invasive nature and propensity for local recurrence. While either bone grafting (BG) or bone cement (BC) can be utilized to fill defects after intralesional curettage, the optimal treatment remains contested. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of defect filling with BC compared with BG on recurrence rates in patients with GCTB following intralesional curettage.

METHODS

A random-effects model binary outcome meta-analysis was performed utilizing recurrence rate for the BC and BG groups to evaluate the risk ratio (p < 0.05 considered significant). There were 1,454 patients included.

RESULTS

Intralesional curettage with BG had a recurrence risk ratio of 1.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-2.31, p = 0.001) when compared with BC. The overall rate of recurrence for GCTB after intralesional curettage with BC was 20.05% vs. 29.74% with BG (95% CI, 0.17-0.23 vs. 0.26-0.33, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Intralesional curettage with BC for the treatment of GCTB demonstrated lower recurrence rates than intralesional curettage with BG. However, the rates of recurrence remain substantial for both groups, necessitating careful consideration of the benefits and potential pitfalls associated with BC vs. BG when considering salvage options after recurrences.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Limb Reconstruction Using the Ilizarov Technique Following Giant Cell Tumour Excision in the Proximal Tibia of a 19-Year-Old Female: A Case Report

Giant cell tumours (GCTs) of the proximal tibia are a relatively uncommon lesion among all benign tumours. They can occur at various sites including distal femur, proximal tibia and distal end radius. Various management modalities of GCTs occurring in the knee joint have been described for reconstruction as well as arthrodesis. We present a case of a 19-year-old adolescent patient with GCT of the proximal tibia with cortical breach with the collapse of the medial articular surface of the tibia. The patient reported experiencing knee pain and swelling for a long duration. Radiological investigations were suggestive of GCT of the proximal tibia with the medial cortical breach and collapse of the medial tibial articular surface. The patient was managed with a resection followed by arthrodesis using intramedullary nails with bone grafting, followed by Ilizarov reconstruction due to osteomyelitis of the surgical site. When dealing with relatively aggressive tumours that have breached the cortex, wide resection of the tumour is required. Following this, the reconstruction procedure must ensure good biomechanical tenacity, biological healing, infection resistance, and intact function of the knee joint extension. One option for achieving this is total knee replacement with a customized prosthesis, though this can be costly. Another option is joint arthrodesis with intramedullary nailing or the Ilizarov fixator, which is strongly supported by the existing literature. This case was managed successfully with the above-described method, and complete healing was observed. In conclusion, periarticular long bone tumours, especially around the knee joint, can be managed effectively with the Ilizarov method. Though it has a few disadvantages, such as a long duration of external fixator, non-compliance, and pin tract infections, it still stands as a viable alternative for limb reconstruction due to its cost-effectiveness and time-tested efficacy.

Multicentric Giant Cell Tumor of Bone

The typical presentation of giant cell tumor of bone is a solitary lesion involving the meta-epiphyseal region of the long bones. The presence of more than one distinct giant cell tumor in the same patient is rare. This study reports on 7 patients with multicentric giant cell tumor of bone. Clinical and radiologic features were reviewed to evaluate the behavior of multicentric giant cell tumor of bone. Immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis for the H3F3A gene were performed to confirm the diagnosis. The knee was most frequently involved, and most of the lesions were in an ipsilateral extremity. All of the patients received surgical management with curettage or resection. The overall median follow-up was 194 months (interquartile range, 41-336 months). Five of 7 patients had local recurrence (71%), but considering the number of surgically treated lesions, the risk of local recurrence was 33% (5 local recurrences among 15 treated lesions). No lung metastases occurred. Multicentric giant cell tumor of bone tends to exhibit the same aggressive clinical behavior as solitary giant cell tumor of bone. Patients should be monitored for the occurrence of other lesions, especially in the ipsilateral extremity. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):e376-e380.].

Proximal Tibia Tumour Location and Curettage Are Major Risk Factors of Local Recurrence in Giant Cell Tumour of Bone

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is one of the most common local aggressive tumourous lesions with a wide variety of biological behaviour. However, there are no clear indicative criteria when choosing the type of procedure and the complication rates remain high, especially in terms of local recurrence. The purpose of the study was to (1) identify the main risk factors for local recurrence, (2) evaluate the recurrence-free survival in dependence on neoadjuvant denosumab use and the type of procedure, and (3) compare the functional outcomes after curettage and en bloc resection. The group included 102 patients with GCTB treated between 2006 and 2020. The mean age of patients was 34.4 years (15-79). The follow-up period was 8.32 years (2-16) on average. Local recurrence occurred in 14 patients (29.8%) who underwent curettage and in 5 patients (10.6%) after en bloc resection. Curettage was shown to be a factor in increasing recurrence rates (OR = 3.64 [95% CI: 1.19-11.15]; p = 0.023). Tibial location was an independent risk factor for local recurrence regardless of the type of surgery (OR = 3.22 [95% CI: 1.09-9.48]; p = 0.026). The recurrence-free survival rate of patients treated with resection and denosumab was higher compared to other treatments at five years postoperatively (p = 0.0307). Functional ability and pain as reported by patients at the latest follow-up were superior after curettage compared to resection for upper and lower extremity (mean difference: -4.00 [95% CI: -6.81 to -1.18]; p < 0.001 and mean difference: -5.36 [95% CI: -3.74 to -6.97]; p < 0.001, respectively). Proximal tibia tumour location and curettage were shown to be major risk factors for local recurrence in GCTB regardless of neoadjuvant denosumab treatment. The recurrence-free survival rate of patients treated with resection and denosumab was higher compared to other treatments. The functional outcome of patients after curettage was better compared to en bloc resection.

Current therapies and future prospective for locally aggressive mesenchymal tumors

Locally aggressive mesenchymal tumors comprise a heterogeneous group of soft tissue and bone tumors with intermediate histology, incompletely understood biology, and highly variable natural history. Despite having a limited to absent ability to metastasize and excellent survival prognosis, locally aggressive mesenchymal tumors can be symptomatic, require prolonged and repeat treatments including surgery and chemotherapy, and can severely impact patients' quality of life. The management of locally aggressive tumors has evolved over the years with a focus on minimizing morbid treatments. Extensive oncologic surgeries and radiation are pillars of care for high grade sarcomas, however, play a more limited role in management of locally aggressive mesenchymal tumors, due to propensity for local recurrence despite resection, and the risk of transformation to a higher-grade entity following radiation. Patients should ideally be evaluated in specialized sarcoma centers that can coordinate complex multimodal decision-making, taking into consideration the individual patient's clinical presentation and history, as well as any available prognostic factors into customizing therapy. In this review, we aim to discuss the biology, clinical management, and future treatment frontiers for three representative locally aggressive mesenchymal tumors: desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF), tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT) and giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). These entities challenge clinicians with their unpredictable behavior and responses to treatment, and still lack a well-defined standard of care despite recent progress with newly approved or promising experimental drugs.

Giant cell tumor of bone with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst does not have a higher risk of local recurrence

BACKGROUND

Fluid-fluid levels (FFLs) is found in 10%-16% of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), and the presence of FFLs raises the suspicion of GCTB with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), which can lead to increased intraoperative bleeding and, blurring the operative field, be associated with a risk of local recurrence. The first objective of this study is to determine whether secondary ABC is associated with a higher risk of local recurrence after curettage in patients with GCTB of the extremities. The second objective of this study is to investigate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the presence of FFLs detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose secondary ABC associated with GCTB.

METHODS

Two hundred and eighty patients with GCTB of the extremities who underwent curettage at the authors' institutions between 1980 and 2021 were included in this study.

RESULTS

Secondary ABC was found in 36 of 280 patients (12.9%) and local recurrence occurred in 66 of 280 patients (23.6%). Multivariate analysis showed no significant correlation between secondary ABC and local recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-3.53]; p = 0.051). Preoperative MRI revealed FFLs in 13 of 82 patients (15.9%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FFLs detected on preoperative MRI to diagnose secondary ABC were 36.8%, 90.5%, 53.8%, and 82.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that secondary ABC does not increase the risk of local recurrence after curettage in patients with GCTB of the extremities. Although rare, FFLs were present in patients with GCTB and half of those with FFLs detected on preoperative MRI had secondary ABC.

Incidence and progression of osteoarthritis following curettage and cementation of giant cell tumor of bone around the knee: long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a benign locally aggressive tumor frequently treated with intralesional curettage and cementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term incidence of arthritic changes following curettage and cementation of GCTB around the knee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of patients with GCTB around the knee treated with curettage and cementation with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The functional results were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. The arthritic changes were classified using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification system of osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

This study included 119 patients, 54 males and 65 females, with a mean age of 29.4 ± 9.2 years. There were 35 (29.4%) patients with pathological fractures. There were 84 (70.6%) patients with de novo lesions and 35 (29.4%) with recurrent lesions. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 ± 3.16 years. The mean MSTS score was 28.5 ± 1.9. Overall, 25 (21%) patients developed variable degrees of arthritis of KL grade 1 (n = 7), KL grade 2 (n = 11), KL grade 3 (n = 4), and KL grade 4 (n = 3). Ten patients showed progression of arthritis during the follow-up period. Age at presentation, gender, presence of pathological fracture, whether the tumor was de novo or recurrent, and tumor location were not associated with arthritis incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Curettage and cementation can be used safely to treat GCTB around the knee. Arthritis of the knee is a possible complication, but mild grades are expected in most cases. There was no association between arthritis incidence and age, gender, pathological fractures, tumor location, or recurrent tumors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Outcomes of Extended Curettage with and without Bone Allograft for Grade II Giant Cell Tumors around the Knee. A Retrospective Comparative Study

Objective  This is the first study to establish the utility of extended curettage with or without bone allograft for Grade II giant cell tumors GCTs around the knee joint with the aim of exploring postoperative functional outcomes. Methods  We retrospectively reviewed 25 cases of Campanacci grade II GCTs undergoing extended curettage between January 2014 and December 2019. The participants were divided into two groups: one group of 12 patients underwent extended curettage with bone allograft and bone cement, while the other group of 13 patients underwent extended curettage with bone cement only. Quality of life was assessed by the Revised Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score and by the Knee score of the Knee Society; recurrence and complications were assessed for each cohort at the last follow-up. The Fisher test and two-sample t-tests were used to compare the categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively. Results  The mean age was 28.09 (7.44) years old, with 10 (40%) males and 15 females (60%). The distal femur and the proximal tibia were involved in 13 (52%) and in 12 (48%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in the musculoskeletal tumor society score (25.75 versus 27.41; p  = 0.178), in the knee society score (78.67 versus 81.46; p  = 0.33), recurrence (0 versus 0%; p  = 1), and complications (25 versus 7.69%; p  = 0.21). Conclusions  Extended curettage with or without bone allograft have similar functional outcomes for the knee without any major difference in the incidence of recurrence and of complications for Grade II GCTs. However, surgical convenience and cost-effectiveness might favor the bone cement only, while long-term osteoarthritis prevention needs to be investigated to favor bone allograft.

Association between Inflammatory Markers and Local Recurrence in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Preliminary Result

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) has a high local recurrence rate of approximately 20%. Systemic inflammatory markers, such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), have been reported as prognostic markers in patients with malignant tumors. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between these markers and the local recurrence rate of GCTB. In total, 103 patients with GCTB who underwent surgery at the authors' institutions between 1993 and 2021 were included. Thirty patients experienced local recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that tumor site, preoperative and postoperative denosumab treatment, and surgery were significantly associated with local recurrence-free survival. LDH was associated with local recurrence-free survival on univariate analysis only. NLR, mGPS, PNI, LMR, and PLR score did not correlate with the local recurrence rate. In conclusion, NLR, mGPS, PNI, LMR, PLR score, Hb, ALP, and LDH levels are not correlated with the local recurrence rate of GCTB. However, due to the small number of patients included in this study, this result should be re-evaluated in a multicenter study with a larger sample size.

Outcome of re-operation for local recurrence following pre-operative denosumab administration and curettage for giant cell tumour of bone with difficult joint preservation

PURPOSE

Denosumab enables joint-sparing surgery (curettage) and surgical downstaging in patients with giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB), where joint preservation is not possible. However, denosumab treatment causes osteosclerosis of the lesion, making it difficult to curet the lesion, leaving the tumour behind, and increasing the local recurrence rate. We performed a three-centre retrospective study to investigate the postoperative local re-recurrence rate, joint preservation status, and functional outcomes of locally recurrent lesions after preoperative denosumab treatment and curettage in patients with difficult joint preservation.

METHODS

We included 38 of 142 patients with primary GCTB of the extremities who underwent preoperative denosumab and curettage between 2009 and 2021 with local recurrence. Preoperative denosumab was indicated in patients with minimal residual periarticular and subchondral bones, large extraosseous lesions (Campanacci stage 3), and pathological fractures that made joint preservation difficult.

RESULTS

Local re-recurrence occurred in 6 (15.8%) of the 38 patients. In 29 patients who underwent re-curettage, local re-recurrence occurred in six patients (20.7%); however, in nine patients who underwent en bloc resection, no local re-recurrence was observed. The joint preservation rate was 63.2% (24 of 38 patients), with a median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 28 (interquartile range: 26.8-29.0). The median follow-up period after surgery for local recurrence was 63.5 months (interquartile range: 42.5-82.4).

CONCLUSION

Since the local re-recurrence rate after re-curettage for local recurrence was low, and the joint preservation rate and affected limb function were good, preoperative denosumab administration may be considered in patients who require downstaging to maintain good limb function (joint preservation).

Burden of complications after giant cell tumor surgery. A single-center retrospective study of 192 cases

BACKGROUND

Surgical complications are frequent with giant cell tumor of bone; recurrence is the best known and most widely studies; other causes of failure have been less well investigated. We therefore performed a retrospective study to identify and assess the main reasons for surgical revision.

HYPOTHESIS

Recurrence is the main cause of surgical revision in giant cell tumor of bone, but other complications, such as mechanical issues or infection, are underestimated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study included 192 patients (included from 2000 to 2016) undergoing first giant cell tumor of bone surgery in a bone tumor reference center. Surgery consisted in curettage for 152 patients (79%) and resection for 40 (21%). The 3 main reconstruction techniques were filling (136 patients; 71%), prosthesis (18 patients; 9%), and fusion (14 patients: 7%). Filling used cement in 9 cases (7%) and bone graft in 127 (93%). Cumulative incidence functions were calculated.

RESULTS

There were 171 revision procedures in 92 patients: 43 for mechanical reasons, 30 for infection, 86 for tumor recurrence, 12 for other causes. Cumulative incidence of revision at 10years was 36% (95% CI: 27-44) for recurrence, 26% (95% CI: 17-36) for mechanical causes, and 13% (95% CI: 9-19) for infection, for overall cumulative incidence of revision of 61% (95% CI: 50-69).

DISCUSSION

Risk of all-cause surgical revision in giant cell tumor of bone was 61% at 10years, with recurrence accounting for only half of cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Risk factors of fracture following curettage for bone giant cell tumors of the extremities

BACKGROUND

Following curettage of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), it is common to fill the cavity with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, bone allograft, or artificial bone to maintain bone strength; however, there is a 2-14% risk of postoperative fractures. We conducted this retrospective study to clarify the risk factors for fractures after curettage for GCTB of the extremities.

METHODS

This study included 284 patients with GCTBs of the extremities who underwent curettage at our institutions between 1980 and 2018 after excluding patients whose cavities were not filled with anything or who had additional plate fixation. The tumor cavity was filled with PMMA bone cement alone (n = 124), PMMA bone cement and bone allograft (n = 81), bone allograft alone (n = 63), or hydroxyapatite graft alone (n = 16).

RESULTS

Fractures after curettage occurred in 10 (3.5%) patients, and the median time from the curettage to fracture was 3.5 months (interquartile range [IQR], 1.8-8.3 months). The median postoperative follow-up period was 86.5 months (IQR, 50.3-118.8 months). On univariate analysis, patients who had GCTB of the proximal or distal femur (1-year fracture-free survival, 92.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.8-96.2) presented a higher risk for postoperative fracture than those who had GCTB at another site (100%; p = 0.0005). Patients with a pathological fracture at presentation (1-year fracture-free survival, 88.2%; 95% CI: 63.2-97.0) presented a higher risk for postoperative fracture than those without a pathological fracture at presentation (97.8%; 95% CI: 95.1-99.0; p = 0.048). Patients who received bone grafting (1-year fracture-free survival, 99.4%; 95% CI: 95.7-99.9) had a lower risk of postoperative fracture than those who did not receive bone grafting (94.4%; 95% CI: 88.7-97.3; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

For GCTBs of the femur, especially those with pathological fracture at presentation, bone grafting after curettage is recommended to reduce the risk of postoperative fracture. Additional plate fixation should be considered when curettage and cement filling without bone grafting are performed in patients with GCTB of the femur. This should be specially performed for those patients with a pathological fracture at presentation.

Management of giant cell tumors of the distal radius: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The treatment of giant cell tumors (GCT) of the distal radius remains challenging, with no consensus on the optimal surgical management. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment with options including intralesional curettage and en-bloc resection with reconstruction. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of these two procedures.

METHODS

Using OVID-Medline and Embase databases, a systematic literature search was performed. Comparative studies, assessing intralesional curettage and en-bloc resection in patients with GCTs of the distal radius, were included. Data regarding rates of local recurrence, metastasis, overall complications, and functional outcomes, were collected and analyzed. The ROBINS-I tool was utilized for risk of bias appraisal within each study outcome.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (n = 373 patients) reporting on 191 intralesional curettage procedures and 182 en-bloc resections were included in the analysis. The average age of participants was 31.9 (SD ± 2.4) years and average follow-up was 7.1 (SD ± 3.6) years. Patients that underwent intralesional curettage were more likely to develop local recurrence (Risk Ratio (RR) 3.3, 95% CI, [2.1, 5.4], p < 0.00001) when compared to patients that underwent en-bloc resection. In Campanacci grade 3 lesions, the risk for local recurrence was 5.9 (95% CI, [2.2, 16.3], p = 0.0006) times higher in patients that received intralesional curettage. Patients that underwent intralesional curettage showed an 84% reduction in the relative risk of developing overall complications compared to en-bloc resection (95% CI, [0.1, 0.4], p < 0.00001), and a larger decrease in Visual Analog Scale and lower Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores (p < 0.00001). Risk ratio for developing a local recurrence, with PMMA versus bone graft following an intralesional procedure was not significant (RR 1.2, 95% CI, [0.6, 2.6], p = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

In the surgical management of GCT of the distal radius, intralesional curettage increased local recurrence compared to en-bloc resection with reconstruction, particularly in grade 3 tumors. However, it led to significantly fewer operative complications, lower pain scores, and improved functional outcomes compared to en-bloc resection. Both treatment options remain relevant in the contemporary management of GCTs of the distal radius. Surgical decision making should include both patient and tumor factors when determining the optimal treatment strategy for these patients. LEVEL 3 EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of Level 3 studies.

The blood pressure and use of tourniquet are related to local recurrence after intralesional curettage of primary benign bone tumors: a retrospective and hypothesis-generating study

Aims

Intralesional curettage is a commonly used treatment for primary bone tumors. However, local recurrence of tumors after curettage remains a major challenge.

Questions

(1) Is blood pressure related to local recurrence after intralesional curettage for benign or intermediate bone tumors? (2) What’s the impact of tourniquet usage on the risk of recurrence from high blood pressure?

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated patients receiving intralesional curettage for primary bone tumors from January 2011 to January 2015. A total of 411 patients with a minimum five-year follow-up were included for analysis. Demographic and disease-related variables were first assessed in univariable analyses for local recurrence risk. When a yielded p-value was < 0.2, variables were included in multivariable analyses to identify independent risk factors for local recurrence. Patients were then stratified by tourniquet usage (use/non-use), and risk from high blood pressure was evaluated in both subgroups.

Results

At an average follow-up of 6.8 ± 1.0 years, 63 of 411 patients (15.3%) experienced local recurrence. In multivariable analyses, local recurrence was associated with age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94–0.99; p = 0.005); tumor type; lesion size (> 5 cm: OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.38–9.33; p = 0.009); anatomical site (proximal femur: OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.21–5.15; p = 0.014; proximal humerus: OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.61–6.92; p = 0.001); and preoperative mean arterial pressure (> 110 mmHg: OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.20–5.67; P = 0.015). In subgroup analyses, after adjusting for age, tumor type, lesion size, and anatomical site, tourniquet use modified the preoperative mean arterial pressure - recurrence relationship: when tourniquet was not used, preoperative mean arterial pressure predicted local recurrence (95–110 mmHg, 4.13, 1.42–12.03, p = 0.009; > 110 mmHg, 28.06, 5.27–149.30, p < 0.001); when tourniquet was used, preoperative mean arterial pressure was not related to local recurrence (all p values > 0.05).

Conclusions

A high preoperative blood pressure was related to local recurrence after intralesional curettage for primary bone tumors in our study. Tourniquet usage and controlling blood pressure might be beneficial for reducing local recurrence in patients scheduled to receive intralesional curettage for primary bone tumor treatment.

Level of evidence

Level IV, hypothesis-generating study.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05157-4.

Current Concepts in the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumors of Bone

Simple Summary

According to the 2020 World Health Organization classification, a giant cell tumor of bone is an intermediate malignant bone tumor. Denosumab treatment before curettage should be avoided due to the increased risk of local recurrence. Administration of denosumab before en bloc resection of the giant cell tumors of the pelvis and spine facilitates en bloc resection. Nerve-sparing surgery after embolization is a possible treatment for giant cell tumors of the sacrum. Denosumab therapy with or without embolization is indicated for inoperable giant cell tumors of the pelvis, spine, and sacrum. A wait-and-see approach is recommended for lung metastases at first, then denosumab should be administered to the growing lesions. Radiotherapy is not recommended owing to the risk of malignant transformation. Local recurrence after 2 years or more should be indicative of malignant transformation. This review summarizes the treatment approaches for non-malignant and malignant giant cell tumors of bone.

Abstract

The 2020 World Health Organization classification defined giant cell tumors of bone (GCTBs) as intermediate malignant tumors. Since the mutated H3F3A was found to be a specific marker for GCTB, it has become very useful in diagnosing GCTB. Curettage is the most common treatment for GCTBs. Preoperative administration of denosumab makes curettage difficult and increases the risk of local recurrence. Curettage is recommended to achieve good functional outcomes, even for local recurrence. For pathological fractures, joints should be preserved as much as possible and curettage should be attempted. Preoperative administration of denosumab for pelvic and spinal GCTBs reduces extraosseous lesions, hardens the tumor, and facilitates en bloc resection. Nerve-sparing surgery after embolization is a possible treatment for sacral GCTBS. Denosumab therapy with or without embolization is indicated for inoperable pelvic, spinal, and sacral GCTBs. It is recommended to first observe lung metastases, then administer denosumab for growing lesions. Radiotherapy is associated with a risk of malignant transformation and should be limited to cases where surgery is impossible and denosumab, zoledronic acid, or embolization is not available. Local recurrence after 2 years or more should be indicative of malignant transformation. This review summarizes the treatment approaches for non-malignant and malignant GCTBs.

Role of denosumab before resection and reconstruction in giant cell tumors of bone: a single-centered retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Denosumab has been approved by Food and Drug Authority in 2013 for use in surgically unresectable Giant cell tumor (GCT) to achieve resectable tumor margins. The aim of this study is to investigate the functional outcome and surgical convenience with the use of neoadjuvant denosumab before resection and reconstruction in Campanacci grade III GCT.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 70 cases of Campanacci grade III GCT receiving resection and reconstruction between January 2014 and December 2019. They were stratified into two groups: one group of 29 patients received once-weekly denosumab 120 mg for 4-weeks before resection and reconstruction, while the other group of 41 patients did not receive denosumab before resection and reconstruction. Quality of life by musculoskeletal tumor society score where 0-7 means poor, 8-14 means fair, 15-22 means good; above 22 means excellent, incidence of tumor recurrence, intraoperative duration in minutes and postoperative positive margins were assessed for each cohort after 12 months follow-up.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in musculoskeletal tumor society score (25.75 vs. 27.41; P  = 0.178), incidence of recurrence (3.45% vs. 4.88%; P  < 0.001), and postoperative positive margins (10.34% vs. 4.88%; P  = 0.38) for both groups. However, the intraoperative duration (133.38 vs. 194.49; P  < 0.001) was significantly higher in the non-denosumab group compared with denosumab group.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant denosumab is equally effective considering postoperative functional outcomes and surgical convenience except intraoperative duration where it is highly helpful in saving the operating time duration. Easier identification, resection and lesser reconstruction are the key surgical convenience offered by neoadjuvant denosumab.

Outcome of lung metastases due to bone giant cell tumor initially managed with observation

Background

The outcomes of patients with lung metastases from giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) vary from spontaneous regression to uncontrolled growth. To investigate whether observation is an appropriate first-line management approach for patients with lung metastases from GCTB, we evaluated the outcomes of patients who were initially managed by observation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 22 patients with lung metastases from histologically confirmed GCTB who received observation as a first-line treatment approach. The median follow-up period was 116 months.

Results

Disease progression occurred in 12 patients (54.5%). The median interval between the discovery of lung metastases and progression was 8 months. Eight patients underwent metastasectomy following initial observation. The median interval between the discovery of lung metastases and treatment by metastasectomy was 13.5 months. None of the patients experienced spontaneous regression. Of the 22 patients, 36.4% needed a metastasectomy, and 9.1% required denosumab treatment during the course of the follow-up period. Disease progression occurred in 45.5% of the 11 patients with lung nodules ≤ 5 mm, while all five of the patients with lung nodules > 5 mm experienced disease progression. Progression-free survival was significantly worse in the group with lung nodules > 5 mm compared to the group with lung nodules ≤ 5 mm (p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Observation is a safe first-line method of managing patients with lung metastases from GCTB. According to radiological imaging, approximately half of the patients progressed, and approximately half required a metastasectomy or denosumab treatment. However, patients with lung nodules > 5 mm should receive careful observation because of the high rate of disease progression in this group.

Giant Cell Tumors of the Upper Extremity: Predictors of Recurrence

PURPOSE

Giant cell tumors (GCT) of the distal radius are thought to be more aggressive than in other locations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with recurrence of GCTs in the upper extremity.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 82 patients who underwent primary surgical treatment for an upper extremity GCT. Tumors were located in the radius (n = 47), humerus (n = 17), ulna (n = 9), and hand (n = 9). Treatment consisted of either wide resection or amputation or intralesional resection with or without adjuvants. A multivariable logistic regression was performed including tumor grade, type of surgery, and tumor location, from which the percentage of contribution to the model of each variable was calculated.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate after intralesional resection was 48%; after wide resection or amputation, it was 12%. Two patients developed a pulmonary metastasis (2.4%). In multivariable analysis, intralesional resection was independently associated with recurrence. Intralesional resection had a 77% contribution to predict recurrence and the distal radius location had a 16% contribution in the predictive model.

CONCLUSIONS

As expected, intralesional resection was the strongest independent predictor of recurrence after surgical treatment for GCT. The distal radius location contributed to the prediction of giant cell tumor recurrence to a lesser extent.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.

Prognostic role of PD-L1 and immune-related gene expression profiles in giant cell tumors of bone

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive and rarely metastatic tumor, with a relatively unpredictable clinical course. A retrospective series of 46 GCTB and a control group of 24 aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) were selected with the aim of investigating the PD-L1 expression levels and immune-related gene expression profile, in correlation with clinicopathological features. PD-L1 and Ki67 were immunohistochemically tested in each case. Furthermore, comprehensive molecular analyses were carried out using NanoString technology and nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel, and the gene expression results were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. PD-L1 expression was observed in 13/46 (28.3%) GCTB (and in 1/24, 4.2%, control ABC, only) and associated with a shorter disease free interval according to univariate analysis. Moreover, in PD-L1-positive lesions, three genes (CD27, CD6 and IL10) were significantly upregulated (p < 0.01), while two were downregulated (LCK and TLR8, showing borderline significance, p = 0.06). Interestingly, these genes can be related to maturation and immune tolerance of bone tissue microenvironment, suggesting a more immature/anergic phenotype of giant cell tumors. Our findings suggest that PD-L1 immunoreactivity may help to select GCTB patients with a higher risk of recurrence who could potentially benefit from immune checkpoint blockade.

Curettage as first surgery for bone giant cell tumor : adequate surgery is more important than oncology training or surgical management by high volume specialized teams

We reviewed the files of 203 patients with extremities GCTB treated with curettage as first surgery from 1990 to 2013. Median follow-up was 84.2 months. We evaluated whether the years of practice and training in orthopaedic oncology are associated with local recurrences, function and complications after curettage as first surgery for giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB). Local recurrences were not significantly different between orthopaedic oncology trained and non-trained orthopaedic surgeons and between orthopaedic surgeons with < 10 years and ≥ 10 years of practice. Function was not significantly different between orthopaedic oncology trained and non-trained surgeons and between orthopaedic surgeons with < 10 years and ≥ 10 years of practice. The only important univariate and multivariate predictor for local recurrence was PMMA adjuvant. Complications were not significantly different between orthopaedic oncology trained and non-trained orthopaedic surgeons and between orthopaedic surgeons with < 10 years and ≥ 10 years of practice. Curettage may be effectively performed as first surgery for GCTB by early-career (< 10 years of practice) non-trained orthopaedic oncology orthopaedic surgeons. PMMA adjuvant is recommended after appropriate curettage.

Present day controversies and consensus in curettage for giant cell tumor of bone

BACKGROUND

The ideal treatment for giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether curettage was successful in the treatment of GCTB. Intralesional curettage with adjuvant therapies, such as high-speed burring, polymethylmethacrylate, phenol, ethanol, and liquid nitrogen, may be used to reduce the local recurrence rate. However, there is no consensus on the optimal use of curettage, along with fillers and adjuvants, to limit the recurrence rate.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of articles using the terms long bones, GCTB, and treatment. Case reports, reviews, opinion articles, or technique notes were excluded based on the abstract. Twenty-six articles included in this review were then studied to establish the index in suggesting the surgical treatment of GCTB.

RESULTS

The patient's gender, their age, the Campanacci grade of their tumor, and the type of surgery they had were not significantly associated with the local recurrence rate. Local recurrences seemed to be associated with the site of the tumor, occurring more frequently in the proximal femur or distal radius. A pathological fracture was not a contraindication for intralesional curettage. Treatment with denosumab did not decrease the local recurrence rate in patients who had been treated with curettage.

CONCLUSION

The current literature seems to suggest that the ideal treatment for GCTB is to remove the tumor while preserving as much of the joint as possible. Local recurrent tumors can be treated with curettage to keep the re-recurrence rate within an acceptable limit. The choice for how to treat GCTB in the proximal femur or distal radius requires special attention.