Sex Differences in the Recurrence Rate and Risk Factors for Primary Giant Cell Tumors Around the Knee in China

Surgical approaches for the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone in Tunisian patients: association with recurrence

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is generally considered a benign tumor, but it can exhibit locally aggressive behavior. The two main surgical treatment options for GCTB are intralesional curettage and en-bloc resection. This study examined the long-term GCTB recurrence rates among Tunisian patients after surgery. A study including 36 patients diagnosed with GCTB was conducted. These patients underwent surgical procedures, specifically intralesional curettage and in bloc resection. Subsequently, we monitored these patients for a two-year post-operative period. Statistical analyses, including Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards regression, and chi-square tests, were performed to identify and evaluate factors associated with local recurrence. Our analysis showed a significant association between surgical treatment and the occurrence of local recurrence (p < 0.01). Interestingly, the rate of local recurrence was notably higher among patients who underwent intralesional curettage (13 out of 21; 61%) compared to those who received en bloc resection (2 out of 15; 13%) (all p < 0.01). En-bloc resection is a reliable treatment choice for GCTB, demonstrating a lower risk of recurrence compared to intralesional curettage. These findings highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate surgical approach to minimize recurrence and improve patient outcomes.

Immunohistochemical Characterization of Feline Giant Cell Tumor of Bone (GCTb): What We Know and What We Can Learn from the Human Counterpart

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTb), formerly also known as osteoclastoma, is a pathological entity that in veterinary medicine is still undefined and, probably, underdiagnosed. In humans, GCTb is recognized as a primary benign bone tumor, locally aggressive, with high local recurrence rates, with controversial histogenesis that can rarely progress or present as a malignant form. In pets, this tumor is still considered rare, though the possibility of underdiagnosis is significant. Hence, the aim of the present study is to provide a histological and immunohistochemical characterization of a small case series of presumptive feline GCTb, comparing our results to the data reported for the human counterpart. Searching our archive, we found, from 2010 to 2023, only three diagnosed cases of GCTb from domestic cats (felis catus). After diagnosis revision, the samples were submitted to immunohistochemistry for Iba1, TRAP, SATB2, RUNX2, RANK, karyopherin α2 (KPNA-2), and osteocalcin. Ki-67 index was also evaluated. Results showed that the multinucleated giant cells were positive for Iba1, TRAP, and RANK, accounting for their osteoclastic origin. On the other side, mononuclear cells were mostly positive for osteoblast markers such as RUNX2, SATB2, and KPNA-2, whereas tumor-associated macrophages showed positivity for Iba1. Hence, results on the cell types characterizing the feline GCTb were comparable to those described in the human form of the tumor. Currently, diagnostic criteria for GCTBs in cats and, in domestic animals more broadly, are still lacking. This study provides valuable data into the immunohistochemical characteristics of the cell populations in feline GCTBs, enhancing veterinarians' and pathologists' knowledge for its diagnosis, ultimately improving patient care. Larger case series, complete with follow-up information, molecular analyses for specific mutations, and imaging of both tumors and patients, are needed to improve identification and achieve greater sensitivity in diagnosing this unique tumor.

Mid-term results of giant cell tumours with pathologic fractures around the knee: a multicentre retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this work are to present a classification of "complex fracture" and "simple fracture", to compare their features, treatments and prognosis in patients with giant cell tumour with pathologic fractures around the knee, and to determine the best surgical method for patients who have giant cell tumour around the knee with different degrees of fracture.

METHODS

Data from 130 patients with pathologic fractures from giant cell tumour around the knee who underwent surgical treatment from March 2000 to November 2015 at 6 institutes around China were collected and analysed. A multicentric study design was used to explore the epidemiological features and to compare differences in the surgical procedures and prognosis of the two fracture groups. The mean age at diagnosis was 37.1 years old (range, 13-77 years). The median follow-up was 126.5 months, ranging from 68 to 370 months.

RESULTS

The general clinical and imaging features of the groups of patients with simple and complex fractures, namely, sex, age, the lesion site, living or working environment, eccentric growth patterns, Campanacci grading system, and duration of symptoms before treatment, showed varying degrees of differences, but with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The incidence rate of surrounding soft tissue mass was 35.2% (32/91) in the group with simple fractures, whereas it was 87.2% (34/39) in the group with complex fractures, which showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Wide resection and reconstruction with joint replacement were performed more often in patients with complex fractures (61.5%, 24/39). Intralesional procedures were performed more often in patients with simple fractures (56.0%, 51/91). The difference showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The local recurrence rate was 17.6% (16/91) in the group with simple fractures, whereas it was 10.3% (4/39) in the complex fracture group, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). A total of 2.3% of patients (n = 3,3/130) developed a skip lesion. The complication rates were 4.6% (4/87) and 14.7% (5/34), respectively, in the two groups with simple or complex fractures, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). The mean MSTS and TESS scores with simple fractures were 26.6 (range, 13-30) and 84.1 (range, 29-100), respectively, whereas the mean scores in the group with complex fractures were 25.5 (range, 18-30) and 78.3 (range, 30-100), respectively, also showing a significant difference (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our classification of "simple fracture" and "complex fracture" could guide decisions regarding the best surgical method for lesions in patients who have giant cell tumour around the knee with different degrees of fracture.

Association of Hearing Acuity and Cognitive Function Among a Low-Income Elderly Population in Rural China: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline. However, the association between cognition and hearing acuity at different frequencies is unknown. We aimed to assess the relationships between hearing acuity at different frequencies with global cognitive function and five domains of cognition among a low-income elderly population in northern rural China. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect basic information from elderly residents aged 60 years and older in rural areas of Tianjin, China from April 2012 to November 2013. Pure tone averages (PTAs) at different frequencies in the ear with better hearing and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were measured, and the relationships between these variables were assessed. A total of 737 residents aged 60 years or more were enrolled in this study, and the prevalence of hearing impairment was 60.7%. After adjusting for sex, age, education, income, smoking, drinking, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (LDL-C), MMSE score and immediate recall score were negatively associated with overall PTA (OPTA) at four frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz), PTA at low frequencies (LPTA; 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz), and PTA at high frequencies (HPTA; 3, 4, and 8 kHz) in the ear with better hearing. Moreover, orientation score was negatively associated with OPTA and LPTA, and the attention and calculation scores were negatively associated with OPTA and HPTA. Each 10-dB increase in OPTA was associated with a MMSE score decrease of 0.464. Each 10-dB increase in LPTA or HPTA was associated with a MMSE score decrease of 0.441 (95% CI: −0.795, −0.086) and 0.351 (95% CI: −0.592, −0.110), respectively. The present study demonstrated significant but weak relationships between OPTA, LPTA, and HPTA with global cognitive function, as defined using MMSE scores; these relationships were independent of age, education, lifestyle factors, and laboratory test values. These results indicated that hearing was associated with cognitive decline among older individuals, who should be screened routinely to identify risk for cognitive decline.

Sex Differences in the Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Impairment in a Low-Income Elderly Population in Rural China: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obesity is a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment. However, sex-specific relationships between obesity and cognitive impairment in late life remain unclear.

Objective: We aimed to assess sex differences in the association between various obesity parameters and cognitive impairment in a low-income elderly population in rural China.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect basic information from elderly residents aged 60 years and older from April 2014 to August 2014 in rural areas of Tianjin, China. Obesity parameters, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and Mini Mental State Examination scores were measured, and the relationships between these variables were assessed.

Results: A total of 1,081 residents with a mean age of 67.70 years were enrolled in this study. After adjusting for age, educational attainment, smoking status, drinking status, physical exercise participation, and the presence of diabetes and hyperlipidemia, blood pressure group; a high BMI was found to be associated with an increased prevalence of cognitive impairment in elderly women. Each 1-unit increase in BMI was associated with a 5.9% increase in the prevalence of cognitive impairment. WC was related to the prevalence of cognitive impairment in elderly men, and each 1-cm increase in WC was associated with a 4.0% decrease in the prevalence of cognitive impairment. However, there were no significant associations between WC and cognitive function in women or between BMI and cognitive impairment in men.

Conclusion: A greater WC was positively associated with better cognitive function in low-income elderly men in rural China, whereas a higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in elderly women, independent of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related comorbid factors. Our results suggest weight management of elderly women in rural China may have cognitive benefits. However, randomized controlled trials would be needed to confirm causality.

Significance of EGFR/HER2 Expression and PIK3CA Mutations in Giant Cell Tumour of Bone Development

Giant Cell Tumour of Bone (GCTB) is a rare bone tumour. Locally aggressive and recurrent, it might evolve into pulmonary metastases. Our present work is aimed at investigating the involvement of the epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) family and its downstream effectors in the development and recurrence of GCTB. For this purpose, we used a cohort of 32 GCTB patients and we evaluated the clinicohistological features and the expression of RANKL, EGFR, and HER2. The mutation status of KRAS, PI3KCA, and PTEN gene as potential oncogene involved in GCTB was also evaluated. We found a significant correlation between advanced histological stages, overexpression of EGFR/HER2, and tumour recurrence. Moreover, two mutations were found in the PIK3CA gene: a missense mutation, 1634A>C, detected for the first time in GCTB patients, without influencing the stability of the protein, and a frameshift mutation, c.1658_1659delGTinsC, causing the loss of the protein kinase domain. Altogether, these results suggest that overexpression of HER2/EGFR, Campanacci, and histological stages could be used as a novel prognostic marker for GCTB recurrence.

Oncology and functional prognosis are both vital in the surgical treatment of RGCTs around the knee joint

AIMS

To explore and provide reasonable surgical options for recurrent giant cell tumors of bone (RGCTs) around the knee joint and compare the pros and cons of extended curettage (EC) and segmental resection (SR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 22 patients (11 male, 11 female; mean age, 34.1 years) with RGCT around the knee joint treated in our hospital between June 2007 and June 2017. Average recurrence time was 14.2 ± 4.7 months. Basic clinical data, including Campanacci grade, lesion location, filler materials, pathological fracture, were recorded. Based on different reoperation methods, patients were divided into the EC and SR groups. Patients were regularly followed up; and recurrence, metastasis, local complications such as osteoarthritis, infection, prosthesis loosening, were recorded. Patient function and surgical efficacy were evaluated using the musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score and Mankin score, respectively.

RESULTS

Postoperative recurrence occurred in one patient in both groups, and no difference in the prognosis of oncology was observed between the groups. In the EC group, seven patients developed postoperative complications, but required no surgical treatment, whereas in the SR group, five patients developed postoperative complications and surgical treatment was performed on two patients. There were significant differences in the functional prognosis and surgical efficacy between the two groups; however, the EC group showed more satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

The oncological and functional prognosis of patients with RGCT around the knee joint is vital. EC should be considered as the first-line treatment, unless the tumors severely invade the surrounding soft tissues or are accompanied by complex fractures with significant displacement leading to no surgical curettage boundary.

Giant cell tumor of bone: Unusual features of a rare tumor

Giant cell tumor of bone is a benign tumor with an aggressive behavior. Its typical subarticular location and high recurrence risk can be associated with significant morbidity. Although benign, it can rarely metastasize especially to the lungs. Also, it can be multicentric in less than 1% of patients. Late malignant transformation, although rare, can occur with a very poor prognosis. This series reports on these unusual and challenging features and management considerations of giant cell tumor of bone. This retrospective study included review of the medical records of patients with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of giant cell tumor of bone. A total of 25 patients (16 females and 9 males) with a mean age of 34.5 years were included; 22 had primary tumors, while 3 were referred with recurrent tumors. Pain was the most common presenting symptom. Most patients had grade III tumors. Tumors around the knee were the most common. Multicentric tumors were detected in three patients. Twenty-three patients (20 primary giant cell tumor of bone and 3 with recurrence) received treatment. Most patients (15/23) were treated with intralesional curettage with or without adjuvants. Seven patients had wide excision. Recurrence was seen in 45% (9/20) of primary giant cell tumor of bone especially with difficult anatomical locations. Most recurrences occurred more than 4 years after treatment. Pulmonary nodules were detected in four patients; two of them showed resolution during follow-up. One patient developed secondary sarcoma transformation with a fatal outcome. Giant cell tumor of bone was more common in females. Long bones were more affected, especially around the knee. Intralesional curettage was the most frequently used treatment. Recurrence was associated with inadequate tumor resection (especially in difficult anatomical location), younger age, male gender, and advanced local tumor grade. Denosumab can be used in the treatment of pulmonary metastasis, multicentric and recurrent giant cell tumor of bone. Due to late recurrence and malignant transformation, a prolonged follow-up is warranted.

Increased Risk of Lung Metastases in Patients with Giant Cell Bone Tumors: A Systematic Review

Giant cell tumors of the bone are rare, usually benign, tumors consisting of large, multinucleated bone cells. Remarkably, these tumors are characterized by aggressive growth. They tend to recur frequently and, in rare cases, metastasize to the lungs. Previous studies tried to identify risk factors for lung metastasis by giant cell bone tumors. Those studies reported different results due to a small number of patients. Therefore, a particularly high risk associated with this type of bone tumor prompted this systematic review and meta-analysis to identify risk factors for the development of lung metastases. The risk factors for lung metastasis by giant cell bone tumors searched for in this study were gender, age, lung metastasis and recurrence period, follow-up time, primary or recurrent tumor, Campanacci grading, tumor localization, disease course, treatment of primary and recurrent tumors, and pulmonary metastases treated by surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This meta-analysis identified the features outlined above by comparing the groups of patients with giant cell bone tumors and lung metastases with the control group consisting of patients without lung metastases. The search for suitable studies revealed 63 publications with a total of 4,295 patients with giant cell bone tumors. Of these, 247 (5.8%; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 5.1-6.5%) patients had lung metastases. Further, the risk factors for lung metastases were the following: recurrence (p < 0.0001), lung metastasis time (p < 0.0001), Campanacci grade II (p = 0.028) and grade III (p = 0.006), localization in the lower limbs (p = 0.0007), curettage (p = 0.0005), and local irradiation of the primary tumor (p = 0.008). All studies showed a high-risk bias due to the absence of blinding of the participants, personnel, and outcome assessment. Special attention should be paid to tumor recurrence in the long follow-up time, since more advanced giant cell bone tumors, particularly in lower extremities, tend to reoccur and metastasize to the lung. Surgical treatment and local irradiation should be performed thoughtfully, with extended follow-up periods.

Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 with incidence and prognosis of giant-cell tumor of the bone

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) in giant-cell tumor of bone (GCT), and the correlation of their expression with the clinicopathologic features and prognosis were investigated. A total of 70 GCT patients treated in our hospital from September, 2013 to September, 2015, were selected, and the tumor and para-carcinoma tissues were obtained by surgery. The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 in GCT and para-carcinoma tissues were detected via semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis, as well as immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, the clinicopathological data of the GCT patients were collected to study the correlation of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 with clinicopathological features and prognosis of GCT. The results of semi-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis revealed that the expression level of MMP-2 in tissues of the 70 GCT patients was significantly higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01), while the expression level of TIMP-3 was obviously lower than that in para-carcinoma tissues (P<0.01). The results of immunohistochemical staining revealed that the positive expression rate of MMP-2 was 57.6% in GCT tissues and 18.9% in para-carcinoma tissues, while that of TIMP-3 was 63.2% in GCT tissues and 13.8% in para-carcinoma tissues, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 were correlated with the diameter of tumor, clinical staging, lymph node metastasis and relapse of GCT (P<0.01), but were not correlated with the age and sex of GCT patients (P>0.05). There was a negative correlation between MMP-2 and TIMP-3 expression levels (r=−0.258, P<0.05). The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 are closely related to the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients, which can be used as one of the clinical examination indexes of GCT and also provide new insights for the clinical treatment of GCT.

Oncological and functional results after surgical treatment of bone metastases at the proximal femur

Background

Metastatic lesions to the proximal femur occur frequently (about 10% of patients with cancer) and require surgical treatment. There are many surgical methods of treatment, however, use of the tumor modular endoprostheses seems to be particularly promising. The aim of study was to evaluate oncological and functional results of treatment in patients with proximal femur metastases. Oncological results were evaluated considering the survival of patients and the number of local recurrences. Functional results were assessed as pain intensity in VAS score and performance in Karnofsky and MSTS score.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2016, 122 patients with metastatic tumour to the proximal femur were treated in our hospital. Majority of the patients were women − 77 patients. The mean age was 67 years for women and 72 years for men. Pathological fracture was diagnosed in 98 cases. Metastatic bone tumors commonly develop from breast cancer – 48 and myeloma – 24. One hundred one patients underwent tumor resection and in 21 cases metastatic tumors was not resected. In 75 patients wide tumour resection and modular endoprosthetic replacement were prefomed. Twenty-one patients underwent standard or long stem hip endoprosthetic replacement. Intramedullary gamma nails were implanted in 20 cases and DHS plate in 6 cases. In 92 cases 3-4 weeks after surgery patients undergo external beam radiotherapy (8Gy).

Functional results were assessed as pain intensity in VAS score and performance in Karnofsky and MSTS score. Oncological results were evaluated considering the survival of patients and the number of local recurrences.

Results

The mean follow-up of patients was 27 months (min 4, max 51). Forty-five patients died before last visit in hospital. The mean survival after modular endoprosthetic replacement was 860 days and after bone fixations 360 days. We noticed 9 cases of local recurrences or progressions, 6 in patients who had no radiotherapy. Three patients after modular endoprosthesis replacement and 6 after bone fixations.

After surgery, all patients experienced improvement in the comfort of life resulting from reduction in pain. Mean VAS score before modular endoprosthetic replacement was 6.8 and after 3.4; before standard prothesoplasty 4.9 and after 2.8; and before and after bone fixation 6.9 -5.1. Mean MSTS score was respectively 6.4-19.8; 8.8-22.4 and 10.8-18.2.

In 6 patients after modular endoprosthesis replacement, delayed wound healing were observed. Infectious complications were not observed after fixation with nails and plates. In 3 cases, the fixation was failed. The systemic complications affected 12 patients.

Conclusions

Results of surgical treatment for metastases to the proximal femur are particularly good in patients after standard or modular endoprostheses replacement. The author considers this treatment method to be optimal in patients with good prognosis.

Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Primary Giant Cell Tumors of the Distal Radium: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in China

Giant cell tumors of the distal radius are challenging for surgeons because they are associated with high recurrence rates and poor functional outcomes. Between June 2005 and October 2015, patients with primary giant cell tumors of the distal radius were recruited from seven orthopedic centers in China. The patients’ clinical features and demographic characteristics were obtained from medical records and reviewed retrospectively. Overall, 48 cases of giant cell tumors of the distal radius were assessed in this study. These patients were more likely to be between 20 and 40 years of age, to have a Campanacci grade of III, and to undergo a surgical style of resection. The prevalence of pathological fractures was 12.5% overall (20.0% in men and 4.3% in women). The prevalence of local recurrence was 30.0% overall (38.1% in men and 21.1% in women) during the average follow-up period of 62.5 months, with a pulmonary metastasis rate of 5.0%. Giant cell tumors of the distal radius were predominant in men and were more likely to recur locally than around the knee. These findings suggest that it is crucial to evaluate the optimal surgical approach for balancing local recurrence control and functional outcomes to reduce the disease burden.