Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report

Chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the nasal cavity: an exceptional and misdiagnosed presentation

Chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the nasal cavity is a rare and aggressive tumor that presents diagnostic challenges due to its variable clinical and radiological features. Histological analysis is crucial for an accurate diagnosis, despite morphological similarities with chondrosarcoma. We present a case of primary craniofacial chondroblastic osteosarcoma originating from the nasal cavity in a 17-year-old adolescent. The tumor was characterized by cartilaginous lobules and spindle cell proliferation with osteoid matrix deposition. Immunohistochemical analysis supported the diagnosis. This case highlights the rarity of this particular presentation and emphasizes the significance of accurate diagnosis through histopathological evaluation to achieve optimal management.

Bisphosphonate enhances TRAIL sensitivity to human osteosarcoma cells via death receptor 5 upregulation

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF superfamily of cytokines, is one of the most promising candidates for cancer therapeutics. However, many osteosarcomas are resistant to TRAIL. Bisphosphonates are very effective in the treatment of bone problems associated with malignancies; the antitumor effects are due to the inhibition of protein prenylation that is essential for cell function and survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of bisphosphonates on TRAIL-resistant MG 63 human osteosarcoma cells. The cells showed no response to TRAIL alone; however, pre-treatment with bisphosphonates significantly increased TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and cellular activation of caspase-3. Bisphosphonates significantly induced mRNA and protein expression of the TRAIL receptor, DR5. Bisphosphonates induced protein unprenylation in MG 63 cells; in addition, co-treatment with TRAIL also significantly increased protein unprenylation. Blocking of protein unprenylation using geranylgeraniol attenuated the cellular responses, including cell apoptosis and protein unprenylation induced by bisphosphonates and TRAIL. This is the first study to demonstrate that bisphosphonates markedly enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells. These findings suggest that bisphosphonates may be a new and effective anticancer treatment with TRAIL proteins for TRAIL-resistant cancer cells.