Denosumab does not decrease the risk of lung metastases from bone giant cell tumour

Current Concepts in the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: An Update

Curettage is recommended for the treatment of Campanacci stages 1-2 giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the extremities, pelvis, sacrum, and spine, without preoperative denosumab treatment. In the distal femur, bone chips and plate fixation are utilized to reduce damage to the subchondral bone and prevent pathological fracture, respectively. For local recurrence, re-curettage may be utilized when feasible. En bloc resection is an option for very aggressive Campanacci stage 3 GCTB in the extremities, pelvis, sacrum, and spine, combined with 1-3 doses of preoperative denosumab treatment. Denosumab monotherapy once every 3 months is currently the standard strategy for inoperable patients and those with metastatic GCTB. However, in case of tumor growth, a possible malignant transformation should be considered. Zoledronic acid appears to be as effective as denosumab; nevertheless, it is a more cost-effective option. Therefore, zoledronic acid may be an alternative treatment option, particularly in developing countries. Surgery is the mainstay treatment for malignant GCTB.

Denosumab for giant cell tumors of bone from 2010 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis

Giant cell tumors of the bone (GCTB) are considered moderately malignant bone tumors. Denosumab, as a neoadjuvant therapy, provides new possibilities for treating GCTB. However, even after multiple studies and long-term clinical trials, there are limitations in the treatment process. Research data and Medical Subject Headings terms related to denosumab and GCTB were collected from January 2010 to October 2022 using the Web of Science and MeSH ( https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov ) browsers. These data were imported into CiteSpace and VOSviewer softwares for bibliometric analysis. Overall, 445 publications on denosumab and GCTB were identified. Over the last 12 years, the growth rate of the total number of publications has remained relatively stable. The USA published the highest number of articles (83) and had the highest centrality (0.42). Amgen Inc. and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) First Ortoped Rizzoli were identified as the most influential institutions. Many authors have made outstanding contributions to this field. Lancet Oncology had the highest journal impact factor (54.433). Local recurrence and drug dosage are current research hotspots, and future development trends will mainly focus on prognostic markers of GCTB and the development of new therapies. Further research is required to analyze denosumab's safety and efficacy and understand its local recurrence of GCTB, to identify the optimal dose. Future progress in this field will likely focus on exploring new diagnostic and recurrence markers to monitor disease progression and examine new therapeutic targets and treatment strategies.

Diffuse Pulmonary Metastases at Presentation of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Case Report and Synthesis of Literature

CASE

We present a 23-year-old man with acute-on-chronic shoulder pain with an aggressive-appearing, destructive lesion of the left proximal humerus and diffuse lung metastases. Biopsy revealed conventional giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) without sarcomatous differentiation, treated with resection and proximal humerus reconstruction. Without systemic treatment, his pulmonary metastases demonstrated modest spontaneous regression, with no impairment of pulmonary function.

CONCLUSIONS

Although GCTB is known to metastasize to lungs, these deposits most commonly follow local recurrence. We describe a young adult with diffuse pulmonary nodules at initial presentation, although still following an indolent clinical course without the need for additional systemic therapy.

Outcome of Reoperation for Local Recurrence Following En Bloc Resection for Bone Giant Cell Tumor of the Extremity

En bloc resection is typically performed to treat giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB), particularly when curettage can be challenging owing to extensive bone cortex destruction with soft tissue extension. Few reports have addressed the clinical outcomes after reoperation for local recurrence in patients with GCTB who underwent en bloc resection. In this multicenter retrospective study, we investigated local recurrence, distant metastasis, malignant transformation, mortality, and limb function in patients treated for local recurrence following en bloc resection for GCTB. Among 205 patients who underwent en bloc resection for GCTB of the extremities between 1980 and 2021, we included 29 with local recurrence. En bloc resection was performed for large tumors with soft tissue extension, pathological fractures with joint invasion, complex fractures, and dispensable bones, such as the proximal fibula and distal ulna. Local re-recurrence, distant metastasis, malignant transformation, and mortality rates were 41.4% (12/29), 34.5% (10/29), 6.9% (2/29), and 6.9% (2/29), respectively. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 26 (interquartile range, 23–28). The median follow-up period after surgery for local recurrence was 70.1 months (interquartile range, 40.5–123.8 months). Local recurrence following en bloc resection for GCTB could indicate an aggressive GCTB, necessitating careful follow-up.

Denosumab in Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: Multidisciplinary Medical Management Based on Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Real-World Evidence

Simple Summary

The widely accepted local therapy in extremity giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is surgery, in the form of extended intralesional curettage with adequate disease clearance and retention of the limb, wherever possible. Denosumab is a relevant therapy option for advanced GCTB, to benefit tumor response and surgical down-staging. Most GCTB patients with localized disease can be successfully treated with surgical curettage; patients with primary unresectable lesions or metastases may experience long-term clinical and radiological remission and pain control with denosumab treatment, and in this clinical situation, denosumab is currently the treatment of choice.

Abstract

(1) Despite the benign nature of the giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), it shows a local recurrence rate of up to 50% and a chance of malignant transformation. The widely accepted local therapy in extremity GCTB is surgery, in the form of extended intralesional curettage with adequate disease clearance and retention of the limb, wherever possible. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody directed against the RANKL and associated inhibition of the RANKL pathway, is a relevant therapy option for advanced GCTB, to benefit tumor response and surgical down-staging. (2) The literature review of patients with GCTB treated with denosumab is performed via PubMed, using suitable keywords from January 2009 to January 2021. (3) Current indications for denosumab use are not definitively clear and unambiguous. Most GCTB patients with localized disease can be successfully treated with surgical curettage, and the role of denosumab in preoperative therapy in this patient population remains unclear. (4) However, patients with primary unresectable lesions or metastases may experience long-term clinical and radiological remission and pain control with denosumab treatment, and in this clinical situation, denosumab is currently the treatment of choice.

Clinical and pathological analysis of giant cell tumor of bone with denosumab treatment and local recurrence

BACKGROUND

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a primary bone tumor which comprises giant cells and two types of stromal cells. Recent studies have suggested therapeutic risks of denosumab. No previous studies have reported changes in serum TRACP-5b and SUVmax of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT in recurred GCTB after denosumab treatment. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between clinical and pathological features of GCTB which recurred after denosumab treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 26 patients with GCTB who underwent curettage between 2010 and 2018. Fourteen patients treated with denosumab were defined as the denosumab group. We evaluated TRACP-5b and SUVmax values in the denosumab group. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for H3.3 G34W were performed for pathological assessment. Twelve patients treated without denosumab were defined as the non-denosumab group and compared with denosumab group.

RESULTS

The local recurrence rate in the denosumab group was 57.4%. The mean TRACP-5b and SUVmax values were significantly decreased after denosumab therapy (P < 0.001, 1077 ± 161 to 74 ± 9 mU/dL and 8.88 ± 0.40 to 3.79 ± 0.56, respectively). Both parameters significantly increased with local recurrence. H&E staining after denosumab treatment revealed the disappearance of giant cells and histological changes in stromal cells. Specimens of local recurrence subjected to H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for H3.3 G34W demonstrated almost identical features to those in the first biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Although denosumab can prevent GCTB from osteolysis, local recurrence cannot be reduced by denosumab treatment. The clinical and pathological results were almost the same as those before denosumab treatment, suggesting that the changes of GCTB by denosumab are reversible.

Metastasectomy Versus Non-Metastasectomy for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Lung Metastases

Approximately 2% to 9% of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) metastasizes systemically, mainly to the lungs. The biological behaviors and clinical courses of lung metastases are difficult to predict, and their treatment recommendations vary, including metastasectomy and non-metastasectomy with chemotherapy (denosumab, interferon-alfa, bisphosphonates), with radiation therapy, or with observation alone. However, it is unclear whether metastasectomy for GCTB lung metastases decreases the mortality rate of these patients. Therefore, the authors performed this systematic review to compare metastasectomy and non-metastasectomy for GCTB patients with operable lung metastasis. Of the 919 relevant studies, 16 studies (138 patients) were included for analysis; 61.6% of patients had metastasectomy and 38.4% had non-metastasectomy. Analysis showed that mortality rates were similar for the patients who had metastasectomy compared with those who did not; the proportion of patients who died of disease was 7.1% in the metastasectomy group and 17.0% in the non-metastasectomy group, with an overall pooled odds ratio of 0.64 (P=.36). Therefore, physicians should reconsider the potential risks and benefits of metastasectomy for patients with GCTB and lung metastasis, because metastasectomy does not reduce the mortality rate in these patients. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(6):e707-e712.].

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.

Late Local Recurrence of Bone Giant Cell Tumors Associated with an Increased Risk for Malignant Transformation

Simple Summary

In giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), an intermediate malignant bone tumor, approximately 4% of cases can undergo malignant transformation. We analyzed risk factors for malignant transformation of GCTB treated without radiotherapy and retrospectively reviewed medical files of 461 patients with GCTB of the extremities who had undergone surgery alone, with no radiotherapy or denosumab therapy. Malignant transformation occurred in 15 of 461 patients (3.3%) at a median follow-up period of 192 months. The median follow-up duration was 89.4 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that local recurrence was an independent prognostic factor for unfavorable malignant transformation. The interval between the last surgery to local recurrence and malignant transformation was longer than that to local recurrence of benign GCTB, with a median of 15.2 (IQR, 5.2–25.4) years versus 1.3 (IQR, 0.8–2.6) months, respectively (p < 0.001). Late local recurrence of GCTB is associated with a higher risk of malignant transformation.

Abstract

In giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), an intermediate malignant bone tumor, approximately 4% of all cases undergo malignant transformation. Accordingly, we analyzed risk factors for malignant transformation of GCTB treated without radiotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 530 patients with GCTB of the extremities, admitted and treated at two institutions between January 1980 and December 2019. Overall, 4 patients with primary malignant GCTB, 4 patients with missing data, 3 patients with a history of radiotherapy, 22 patients with a follow-up of less than 6 months, and 36 patients who received denosumab were excluded. Accordingly, 461 patients were included for further analysis. Malignant transformation was observed in 15 of 461 patients (3.3%) at a median follow-up period of 192 months. The median follow-up duration was 89.4 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that local recurrence was an independent prognostic factor for unfavorable malignant transformation (Hazard ratio [HR], 11.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33–55.13; p = 0.003 for once versus none and HR, 11.24; 95% CI, 1.76–71.96; and p = 0.011 for twice or more versus none). The interval between the last surgery to local recurrence and malignant transformation was longer than that to local recurrence of benign GCTB, with a median of 15.2 years (interquartile range [IQR], 5.2–25.4) versus 1.3 months (IQR, 0.8–2.6), respectively (p < 0.001). Late local recurrence of GCTB is associated with a higher risk of malignant transformation.

Denosumab for Effective Tumor Size Reduction in Patients With Giant Cell Tumors of the Bone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody that has been used successfully in the treatment of giant cell tumors of bone. These tumors are rare and, in principle, benign, but they are highly aggressive, locally advanced, osteolytic bone tumors that can metastasize to the lungs. Denosumab is an effective treatment when these tumors cannot be surgically removed or when surgical resection is likely to lead to severe morbidity (eg, loss of limbs or joints). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate patients with giant cell tumors of bone who experienced tumor progression during treatment with denosumab and to compare them with patients who experienced reduction of their giant cell tumors of bone during treatment with denosumab.

METHODS

Embase, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched for trials submitted by January 7, 2020, that reported the efficacy and safety of denosumab in patients with giant cell tumors of bone.

RESULTS

Sixty studies were reviewed, involving a total of 1074 patients who had giant cell tumors of bone and were treated with denosumab. Of the 60 studies, 58% of the patients were from case series studies, 39% from open-label phase II studies, and 3% from case reports. The response rate for denosumab as a treatment for giant cell tumors of bone was 97.5%, with statistical significance (P < .0001). Pain in the limbs was statistically the most common adverse event for denosumab treatment in case series studies (P < .0001). No treatment-related deaths occurred in the reviewed studies.

CONCLUSION

Cumulative evidence supports the addition of surgery to optimal medical therapy with denosumab to reduce tumor size, clinical symptoms, and mortality among patients with giant cell tumors of bone.

The Role of Denosumab for Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Giant Cell Tumour of Bone: A Systematic Review

Background: The role of denosumab in patients with resectable giant cell tumour of bone remains unclear. We asked the following research question: for patients (aged ≥ 12 years) with resectable giant cell tumour of bone, what are the benefits and harms of denosumab compared with no denosumab in terms of (1) facilitation of surgery (operative time, blood loss), (2) disease recurrence, (3) pain control, (4) disease stability, and (5) adverse effects (e.g., malignant transformation, osteonecrosis of jaw, atypical femur fracture)? One previous systematic review addressed only one outcome-disease recurrence. Therefore, we undertook this new systematic review to address the above five outcomes. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases were searched on June 30, 2020. Results: This systematic review included one previous systematic review and five comparative studies. Due to poor quality, non-randomized studies fraught with selection bias, it is difficult to determine if a significant difference exists in the outcomes for surgical giant cell tumour of bone with perioperative denosumab. There were no reported cases of adverse effects from denosumab. Conclusion: To date, there is insufficient evidence to understand the value of denosumab in the perioperative setting in patients with giant cell tumour of bone.

Pulmonary metastasis of giant cell tumour: a retrospective study of three hundred and ten cases

BACKGROUND

Giant cell tumour (GCT) is an invasive benign bone tumour, and the incidence of pulmonary metastasis is rare. We are aiming to analyze risk factors of pulmonary metastasis and clinical prognosis for giant cell tumour patients with pulmonary metastasis.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective study of 310 patients with GCT between December 2004 and December 2016. Risk factors of pulmonary metastasis were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then, the influence of risk factors of overall LR (local recurrence), recurrent tumor at presentation, LR after our therapy, and with soft tissue mass on the pulmonary metastasis-free survival rates was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up of the present cohort was 45.6 ± 35.3 months (median, 36.6 months; range, 6.1-193.4 months). Eighteen (5.8%) of 310 patients developed pulmonary metastasis. The average interval from surgery of primary tumour to detection of pulmonary metastasis was 15 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed overall local recurrence was the independent risk factor of developing pulmonary metastasis. Among 18 patients with pulmonary metastasis, sixteen cases had history of local recurrence (88.9%, 16/18), including eleven (68.8%, 11/16) with local recurrence at presentation before receiving our therapy and seven (43.8%, 7/16) with local recurrence after receiving treatment in our hospital. Time to local recurrence had obvious difference between patients with and without pulmonary metastasis. Patients with pulmonary metastasis were prone to recur earlier. Furthermore, overall local recurrence, local recurrence after our therapy, recurrent tumor at presentation, and tumour with a soft tissue mass showed statistical differences in the pulmonary metastasis-free survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Giant cell tumour patients with soft tissue mass and overall local recurrence are prone to develop pulmonary metastasis. Although giant cell tumour is a benign tumor, more attention should be paid to the problem of pulmonary metastatic lesions, and chest CT scan should be recommended during follow-up.

Current concepts in the treatment of giant cell tumour of bone

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is an intermediate, locally aggressive primary bone tumour. In addition to local therapy, new drugs became available for this disease. Denosumab, a receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B-ligand inhibitor, was introduced as systemic targeted therapy for advanced or inoperable and metastatic GCTB. Also, the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid has activity in GCTB by directly targeting the neoplastic stromal cells.

RECENT FINDINGS

In a small RCT, bisphosphonates were successful in controlling tumour growth and a higher apoptotic index of tumour cells was seen after zoledronic acid versus controls. Although bisphosphonate-loaded bone cement has not been studied to a large extent, it does not seem harmful and may constitute a logical local adjuvant. From the largest clinical trial to date, the risk-to-benefit ratio for denosumab in patients with advanced GCTB remains favourable, also in facilitating less morbid surgery. Concerns have arisen that recurrence rates would be higher than after conventional treatment, ranging from 20 to 100% in a systematic review, although this may be because of bias. H3F3A (G34W) driver mutations are helpful in the differentiation between GCTB and other giant cell-containing malignancies. H3.3-G34W proved sufficient to drive tumourigenesis. The cumulative incidence of malignancy in GCTB is estimated at 4%, of which primary malignancy 1.6% and secondary malignancy 2.4%, the latter mainly after radiation. To date, a potential causal relationship between denosumab and pulmonary metastases has not been confirmed; if they do not behave indolently, it would be advised to reassess diagnosis and consider malignancy.

SUMMARY

Denosumab remains a highly effective treatment option for patients with advanced GCTB. A short duration of 2-4 months neoadjuvant denosumab is advised to facilitate less morbid surgery and prevent incomplete curettage by macroscopic tumour alterations. Reduced dose intensity is being studied to reduce long term side-effects. Further research on bisphosphonates and other targets including H3.3-G34W remains warranted.

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.

Benign Osseous Tumors and Tumor-Like Conditions

We will provide an imaging-focused discussion of 3 benign bone tumors that do not fit in the categories of cartilaginous tumors or osteoid tumors. We have chosen giant cell tumor of bone, unicameral bone cyst, and fibrous dysplasia. All 3 of these entities are common enough that one does not have to be a musculoskeletal radiologist in a cancer hospital to encounter them occasionally, but none of them should be seen frequently.

Pre-operative denosumab is associated with higher risk of local recurrence in giant cell tumor of bone: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

In 2013, denosumab was introduced as peri-operative adjuvant treatment for giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone as it inhibits osteoclast activity. It is suggested that denosumab relives pain, facilitate curettage in lesions requiring resection initially. However, controversy remains whether denosumab increases the risk of local recurrence after surgery.

Methods

Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in June 2019 to identify studies investigating the clinical outcome of GCT of bone with and without peri-operative denosumab after surgery. Data were gathered and a meta-analysis was conducted.

Result

Ten studies with 1082 cases (169 in denosumab group, 913 in control group) were included. Overall, denosumab was associated with significantly higher risk of recurrence(P < 0.02) and inferior 5 year recurrence free survival(P = 0.000). Denosumab and curettage has a relatively higher risk of recurrence comparing to curettage alone(P = 0.07). The risk of recurrence is not significantly increased if denosumab was administered both preoperatively and postoperatively(P = 0.24).

Conclusion

Administration of denosumab is associated with increased risk of recurrence due to a variety of reasons, though it is proven effective in relieving pain, enabling curettage and improved functional outcome. Post-operative denosumab is recommended as it continuously suppress/eliminate residue tumor cells.

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.