Odontogenic Myxoma of the Face: Mimicry of Cherubism

Current concepts in targeted therapies for benign tumors of the jaw - A review of the literature

The aim of our study was to review current concepts in targeted therapies for benign tumors of the jaw. Benign odontogenic and maxillofacial bone tumors often require radical surgery, with consequent morbidity that impacts patients' postsurgical quality of life. Currently, targeted therapies and novel nonsurgical therapeutics are being explored for management of non-resectable tumors, with the aim of avoiding surgery or minimizing surgical scope. However, data on clinical applications of targeted therapies for benign tumors of the jaw remain sparse. Therefore, a literature review was conducted, based on the PubMed database, which included in vivo human clinical studies describing clinical application of targeted therapy for benign tumor of the jaw. The review assessed the outcomes of BRAF and MEK inhibitors for treatment of ameloblastoma, RANKL monoclonal antibody for treatment of giant cell tumor, cherubism, aneurysmal bone cyst, and fibrous dysplasia, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor for treatment of odontogenic myxoma and cherubism. Targeted therapies decreased tumor size, slowed down tumor progression, and reduced bone pain. Surgery remains the gold standard, but targeted therapies are promising adjuvant or alternative treatment options for reducing tumor progression and morbidity of tumor surgery.

Imatinib has minimal effects on inflammatory and osteopenic phenotypes in a murine cherubism model

OBJECTIVE

Cherubism is a genetic disorder characterised by bilateral jawbone deformation. The associated jawbone lesions regress after puberty, whereas severe cases require surgical treatment. Although several drugs have been tested, fundamental treatment strategies for cherubism have not been established. The effectiveness of imatinib has recently been reported; however, its pharmaceutical mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we tested the effects of imatinib using a cherubism mouse model.

METHODS

We used Sh3bp2 P416R cherubism mutant mice, which exhibit systemic organ inflammation and osteopenia. The effects of imatinib were determined using primary bone marrow-derived macrophages. Imatinib was administered intraperitoneally to the mice, and serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), organ inflammation and bone properties were examined.

RESULTS

The cherubism mutant macrophages produced higher levels of TNFα in response to lipopolysaccharide compared to wild-type macrophages, and imatinib did not significantly suppress TNFα production. Although imatinib suppressed osteoclast formation in vitro, administering it in vivo did not suppress organ inflammation and osteopenia.

CONCLUSION

The in vivo administration of imatinib had a minimal therapeutic impact in cherubism mutant mice. To establish better pharmaceutical interventions, it is necessary to integrate new findings from murine models with clinical data from patients with a definitive diagnosis of cherubism.

Odontogenic myxoma of the anterior mandible: Case report of a rare entity and review of the literature

This report intends to compare classic presentations of odontogenic myxoma in contrast to our case. We also suggest a comprehensive evaluation of lesions and strongly advocate against premature treatments before reaching a definitive diagnosis.

Mandibular odontogenic myxoma in a paediatric patient

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) are benign, locally aggressive tumours that are rarely found in the paediatric maxillofacial region. OMs derive from mesenchymal odontogenic tissue. We describe the management of a 3-year-old girl who presented with a large right-sided mandibular lesion. Her treatment included conservative excision, curettage and peripheral ostectomy. A literature review was performed which calls into question the dogmatic practice of resection with 1 to 1.5 cm margins. Treatment approaches to the OM could potentially be altered in the paediatric patient.

Odontogenic Myxoma in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

Benign odontogenic lesions are rare entities but are very important due to their locally aggressive nature. Odontogenic myxoma is even rarer in children than in adults. There is no evidence in the literature in regard to the best treatment approach, in terms of conservative or aggressive surgery, for this type of tumor. This paper reports a case of odontogenic myxoma in a child treated with a compromised approach through bone osteotomies and a review of the literature about this disease, especially in pediatric patients.