Multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of bone giant cell tumors:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Giant cell tumor of bone is a locally aggressive and rarely metastasizing tumor,and also a potential malignant tumor that may develop into a primary malignant giant cell tumor.AIM To evaluate the role of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of giant cell tumors of bone.METHODS The data of 32 patients with giant cell tumor of bone confirmed by core-needle biopsy or surgical pathology at our hospital between March 2018 and March 2023 were retrospectively selected.All the patients with giant cell tumors of the bone were examined by X-ray,computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and 7 of them were examined by positron emission tomography(PET)-CT.RESULTS X-ray imaging can provide overall information on giant cell tumor lesions.CT and MRI can reveal the characteristics of the internal structure of the tumor as well as the adjacent relationships of the tumor,and these methods have unique advantages for diagnosing tumors and determining the scope of surgery.PET-CT can detect small lesions and is highly valuable for identifying benign and malignant tumors to aid in the early diagnosis of metastasis.CONCLUSION Multimodal imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of giant cell tumor of bone and can provide a reference for the treatment of giant cell tumors.

Clinical Features of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone in Elderly Patients

Background: Giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) occurs most often in younger individuals aged between 20 and 40 years. However, it also occurs in a small proportion of elderly people. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the clinical characteristics of GCTB in elderly people, as only few reports have completely examined the characteristics of GCTB in elderly patients. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 69 patients with benign GCTB. Patients’ information on age, sex, anatomical location and size, Campanacci grade, pathological fracture, treatment for primary tumors, local and distant relapse, and outcome was collected. We compared these clinical courses between the younger and older groups. We divided the age groups into three subgroups: ≤54 years and ≥55 years, ≤59 years and ≥60 years, and ≤64 years and ≥65 years. We compared the two groups in each subgroup. In addition, we examined factors affecting local recurrence and distant metastasis. Results: Tumor size was significantly larger in the older group between the two subgroups of 55 and 60 years. Kaplan-Meier curves for local recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival between the two subgroups of 65 years showed significant differences (p = 0.0183 and p = 0.0014). In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, female sex, curettage-only surgical procedure, and denosumab usage before surgery affected local recurrence. Conclusion: Age is unlikely to affect local recurrence and distant metastases in GCTB patients, but local recurrence and distant metastases may be noted in elderly patients aged ≥65 years with GCTB.

Primary Malignant Giant Cell Tumor of Bone:A Case Report

Primary malignant giant cell tumor of bone is clinically rare,lack of specificity,and often misdiagnosed.Currently,related literature about this tumor remains scarce.One case of primary malignant giant cell tumor of bone was diagnosed and treated in our hospital,and the treatment effect was satisfactory.There was no recurrence or metastasis in 2 years of followup.The report is as follows.

The surgical Treatment and Outcome of Pathological Fracture in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone

Between 1992 and 2008, we treated 35 patients with giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone, seven of the 35 pre-sented with a pathological fracture. The fractures were located in the femur in five, and in the humerus and radius in one patient each. The surgical treatments were curettage in six cases and wide resection in the distal radius case. Two of the seven patients developed local recurrence, giving a local recurrence rate of 29%. The local recurrence rate in GCT patients without a pathological fracture was 21%. There was a tendency for there to be a higher recurrence rate associated with fractured GCT, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. Therefore, it was considered that a pathological fracture was not a risk factor for local recurrence in GCT.

Functional Outcomes of Limb Salvage Surgery in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone of the Lower Extremities: A Retrospective Study

Giant cell tumor of the bone(GCTB)is a benign,locally aggressive neoplasm that is relatively rare,with a propensity to result in progressive bone destruction,and is associated with a high risk of recurrence.There is no widely held consensus regarding its ideal treatment.Worldwide,there are varying techniques ranging from intralesional curettage to resection of the lesion,supplemented with combinations of numerous adjuncts and fillers,depending on the resected amount and integrity of bone,as well as the preference of the surgeon.This was a cross-sectional study that included 20 patients who underwent limb salvage surgery for giant cell tumor of the bone of the lower extremities from January 2009 to February 2020 at two tertiary hospitals.The mean follow-up period was 37.3 months(SD=2.84).The extended curettage(EC)group had a mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Rating Scale(MSTS)score of 28.18(SD=7.51)which is considered as an excellent outcome,while the resection(RS)group had an mean MSTS score of 19.67(SD=11.02),which is considered as a good outcome.EC resulted to a total of eight complications(47%),while RS had one complication(33%).Prevalence of recurrence was noted to be 11.75%among those who underwent EC,while no recurrence was noted among those in the RS group.Use of bone cement as a filler was noted to have less recurrence as compared with the use of bone grafts,however were both were noted to result in excellent functional outcomes.Despite the prevalence of complications and recurrence of GCTB of the salvaged extremity in those who underwent EC,there is still report of excellent functionality.It is hence important to disclose all these possible outcomes and to stress the importance of compliance to follow-up for monitoring of these events.

Heat Shock Protein 70 Expression in Giant Cell Tumor of Bone and Its Clinical Application

Objective: To provide a better prognosis after the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone which is a common benign aggressive bone tumor by the use of thermoablation, Hsp70 expression of the tumor was explored and the relationship between the relative amount of expression of this protein and tumor recurrence was studied. Methods: Avascular parts of tumor tissues were collected from 11 patients, 3 male and 8 female with an average age of 32.27 years and were sent for the analysis of protein contents by the use of Western blot. A comparative protein analysis was used for the detection of Hsp70 and beta-actin. Monoclonal antibody was used for the identification of Hsp70. The measurement was carried out two times in one patient. The relationship between ratios of Hsp70/beta-actin and tumor recurrence during 3-year follow-up was carried out. Results: Tumor recurrence was found in 4 patients, 36.6% and none had lung metastasis. Significant HSP expression was found in all specimens. No patient with the ratio of HSP70/beta-actin expression lower than 0.66 had tumor recurrence. Sensitivity of the test was 75% and specificity was 100%. Conclusion: Expression of Hsp70 was found in giant cell tumor of bone and high relative expression of this protein related to tumor recurrence.

Surgical treatment of giant cell tumors of long bone combined with inserted microwave antennas induced hyperthermia

AIM：To evaluate the surgical treatment methods of giant cell tumors(GCT) of long bone in conjunction with inserted microwave antennas induced hyperthermia.METHODS:46patients,included the surgical procedures,the oncology results,the functions of the limbs and the complications were analyzed.RESULTS:Follow-up 3.5 to 9 years(mean 5.5years).All patients were evaluated according to oncological and orthopaedic criteria.Two tumors were recurred.Orthopaedic furction were perfect in 44 patients and were fair in 2.Infection was found in 2 patients.CONCLUSION:The surgical procedure to treat the giant cell tumors of long bone by inserted microwave antennas induced hyperthermia is a definitive surgical method which is safe and confident.

Thoracic giant cell tumor after two total en bloc spondylectomies including one emergency surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND For patients with acute paraplegia caused by spinal giant cell tumor(GCT)who require emergency decompressive surgery,there is still a lack of relevant reports on surgical options.This study is the first to present the case of an acute paraplegic patient with a thoracic spinal GCT who underwent an emergency total en bloc spondylectomy(TES).Despite tumor recurrence,three-level TES was repeated after denosumab therapy.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old female patient who underwent single-level TES in an emergency presented with sudden severe back pain and acute paraplegia due to a thoracic spinal tumor.After emergency TES,the patient's spinal cord function recovered,and permanent paralysis was avoided.The postoperative histopathological examination revealed that the excised neoplasm was a rare GCT.Unfortunately,the tumor recurred 9 months after the first surgery.After 12 months of denosumab therapy,the tumor size was reduced,and tumor calcification.To prevent recurrent tumor progression and provide a possible cure,a three-level TES was performed again.The patient returned to an active lifestyle 1 month after the second surgery,and no recurrence of GCT was found at the last follow-up.CONCLUSION This patient with acute paraplegia underwent TES twice,including once in an emergency,and achieved good therapeutic results.TES in emergency surgery is feasible and safe when conditions permit;however,it may increase the risk of tumor recurrence.

Management of a rare giant cell tumor of the distal fibula: A case report

BACKGROUND Aggressive giant cell tumor of the distal fibula is so rare that no consensus on a surgical strategy has been reached.Thus,an appropriate treatment strategy is still important to discuss.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old man who had been experiencing progressive swelling of the left lateral malleolus accompanied by pain for half a year was presented at our hospital.He had never been treated prior to coming to our hospital.Preoperative imaging revealed a 10 cm×6 cm mass located in the body of the distal fibula.Pathological biopsies confirmed it was a giant cell tumor.Preoperative examination revealed he had dilated cardiomyopathy with class 3 cardiac function.The cardiologist and anesthesiologist determined that he could tolerate the operation,but the operation should be as short and minimally invasive as possible.With the patient’s consent,we performed a tibiotalar fusion and followed up with him for 2years,finding no recurrence and a satisfactory recovery.CONCLUSION Tibial talus fusion is an effective method for the treatment of distal fibula tumors.

Three-dimensional-printed custom-made patellar endoprosthesis for recurrent giant cell tumor of the patella:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Giant cell tumor(GCT)is a benign lesion and rarely involves the patella.This disease is characterized by a relatively high recurrence rate after primary treatment.En bloc resection has been a predominant option for recurrent GCT.However,total patellectomy can lead to disruption of the knee.Therefore,exploration of functional reconstruction of the extensor mechanism is worthwhile.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old woman presented with right knee pain and swelling,and was diagnosed as having a GCT in the patella following curettage and autograft.Medical imaging revealed a lytic and expanded lesion involving the whole patella with focal cortical breaches and pathological fracture.Based on the combination of histological,radiological,and clinical features,a diagnosis of recurrent GCT in the patella was made(Campanacci grade III).After a multidisciplinary team discussion,three-dimensional(3D)-printed custom-made patellar endoprosthesis was performed following en bloc resection for reconstructing the extensor mechanism.The patient was followed for 35 mo postoperatively.No evidence of local recurrence,pulmonary metastasis,or osteoarthritis of the right knee was observed.The active flexion arc was 0°-120°,and no extension lag was detected.A favorable patellar tracking and height(Insall-Salvati ratio 0.93)were detected by radiography.CONCLUSION We depict a case of a GCT at the right patella,which was successfully treated by patellectomy and 3D-printed custom-made endoprosthetic replacement.The patella normal reconstruction,the precise-fit articular design,and gastrocnemius flap augmentation could lead to satisfactory knee function and a low rate of complications in the short-term follow-up.

Malignant giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath of the right hip:A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath(MGCTTS)is an extremely rare malignant tumor originating from synovial and tendon sheath tissue with highly aggressive biological behavior and a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis which should be considered a highly malignant sarcoma and managed aggressively.How to systemically treat MGCTTS remains a challenge.In this case,a patient with MGCTTS suffered a recurrence after 2 surgical resections received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy,but the treatment outcome remained poor.More clinical trials and better understanding of the biology and molecular aspects of this subtype of sarcoma are needed while novel medicines should be developed to efficiently target particular pathways.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old man presented with persistent dull pain in the right groin accompanied by limited right hip motion starting 6 mo ago.Two months before his attending to hospital,the patient’s pain worsened,presenting as severe pain when standing or walking,limping,and inability to straighten or move the right lower extremity.Surgical excision was performed and MGCTTS was confirmed by pathology examination.Two recurrences occurred after surgical resection,moreover,the treatment outcome remained poor after adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy.The patient died only 10 mo after the initial diagnosis.CONCLUSION MGCTTS is characterized by a joint mass with pain and limited motion.It typically grows along the tendons and infiltrated into the surrounding muscle and bone tissue,with a stubborn tendency to relapse,as well as pulmonary metastasis.Radically surgical resection provides a choice of treatment whereas post-operation care should be taken to preserve the function of the joint.Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be used as alternative treatments when radical resection cannot be performed.

Traumatic giant cell tumor of rib: A case report

BACKGROUND Giant cell tumor(GCT)of the anterior rib origin is extremely rare.We report the first case of trauma-induced GCT of the rib.CASE SUMMARY A 22-year-old female developed a mass over the right anterior chest wall with pain 3 mo after a falling injury with blunt trauma of the right chest wall.Chest computed tomography(CT)showed a tumor originating from the right 6th rib with bony destruction,and a CT-guided needle biopsy revealed a GCT.We completely resected the tumor with chest wall and performed reconstruction.The pathological diagnosis was GCT of the bone.Twelve months after surgery,no signs of recurrence were observed.CONCLUSION GCT of the rib after trauma has not been reported.Meticulous history-taking and image evaluation are essential for the differential diagnosis of unusual chest wall tumors.

Malignant giant cell tumor in the left upper arm soft tissue of an adolescent:A case report

BACKGROUND Giant cell tumor of soft tissue(GCT-ST)is an extremely rare low-grade soft tissue tumor that is originates in superficial tissue and rarely spreads deeper.GCT-ST has unpredictable behavior.It is mainly benign,but may sometimes become aggressive and potentially increase in size within a short period of time.CASE SUMMARY A 17-year-old man was suspected of having a fracture,based on radiography following left shoulder trauma.One month later,the swelling of the left shoulder continued to increase and the pain was obvious.Computed tomography(CT)revealed a soft tissue mass with strip-like calcifications in the left shoulder.The mass invaded the adjacent humerus and showed an insect-like area of destruction at the edge of the cortical bone of the upper humerus.The marrow cavity of the upper humerus was enlarged,and a soft tissue density was seen in the medullary cavity.Thoracic CT revealed multiple small nodules beneath the pleura of both lungs.A bone scan demonstrated increased activity in the left shoulder joint and proximal humerus.The mass showed mixed moderate hypointensity and hyperintensity on T1-weighted images,and mixed hyperintensity on T2-weighted fat-saturated images.The final diagnosis of GCT-ST was confirmed by pathology.CONCLUSION GCT-STs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors and monitored for large increases in size.

High circulating tumor cell concentrations in a specific subtype of gastric cancer with diffuse bone metastasis at diagnosis

AIM: To clarify the biological feature contributing to gastric cancer with diffuse bone metastases at diagnosis.METHODS: The participants visited the Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University Hospital, from January 2014 to August 2015. The selection criterion for gastric cancer with diffuse bone metastases at diagnosis includes over 29 hot spots of bone scintigraphy. Circulating tumor cell were collected from 20 m L of peripheral venous blood drawn using a Cell Search kit and a Cell Tracks Auto Prep system by SRL, a clinical laboratory. The endpoints of this study were correlations between circulating tumor cells(CTC) count and therapeutic outcomes. RESULTS: Among 39 patients with gastric cancer, 5 patients met the criterion. The incidence of this subtype was 12.8%. CTC counts ranged from 235 to 6440 cells/7.5 m L of peripheral blood(median of 1724). These values were much higher than common gastric cancers(2 cells). In chemo-sensitive cases, CTC counts decreased within 14 d(median) from 275, 235 and 1724 to 2, 7 and 66, respectively. On the other hand, CTC counts increased after treatment failure or insensitive case from 2, 7 and 6440 to 787, 513 and 7885, respectively. The correlation between CTC count and survival time showed a trend, but did not reach significance(Y = 234.6- 0.03 X, P = 0.085).CONCLUSION: High CTC count is a biological hallmark of this subtype, and can be used as a direct and definitive indicator of therapeutic outcome.

Subchondral bone grafting reduces degenerative change of knee joint in patients of giant cell tumor of bone

Background Giant cell tumors （GCTs） most commonly occur around the knee.The most beneficial procedure for this disease has been extensive curettage with reconstruction.However,since many GCTs may compromise the subchondral bone,surgery can further jeopardize the articular cartilage and result in secondary osteoarthritis.In this study,we aimed to determine the factors associated with the development of degenerative arthritis and the effect of bone grafting on the prevention of secondary osteoarthritis.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients with GCT around the knee.The mean age at first diagnosis was 31.1 years.Surgical treatments included extensive curettage and cementation with or without bone grafting in the subchondral bone.Patient follow-up was a median duration of 35 months,ranging from 18 to 113 months.Results The local recurrence rate was 5.3％ （4/76）.Secondary degenerative changes occurred in 30.3％ （23/76） of the patients.Less than 10 mm of the residual thickness of the remaining subchondral bone was correlated with secondary degenerative changes in 57 patients （P ＜0.001）.Of these 57 patients,56.5％ （13/23） treated with bone cement reconstruction alone developed secondary degenerative changes; following bone grafting,the rate decreased to 29.4％（10/34）,with a statistically significant difference （P=0.041）.Conclusions GCT patients with less residual thickness of the subchondral bone are more likely to develop degenerative arthritis after curettage.Bone grafting in the subchondral bone area is recommended when the residual thickness of the subchondral bone is less than 10 mm.

Three-dimensional printed talar prosthesis with biological function for giant cell tumor of the talus:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Giant cell tumors(GCT)are most commonly seen in the distal femur.These tumors are uncommon in the small bones of the hand and feet,and a very few cases have been reported.A giant cell tumor of the talus is rarely seen clinically and could be a challenge to physicians.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of GCT of the talus in one patient who underwent a new reconstructive surgery technique using a three-dimensional(3D)printing talar prosthesis.The prosthesis shape was designed by tomographic image processing and segmentation using technology to match the intact side by mirror symmetry with 3D post-processing technologies.The patient recovered nearly full range of motion of the ankle after 6 mo.The visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were 1 and 89 points,respectively.CONCLUSION We demonstrated that 3D printing of a talar prosthesis is a beneficial option for GCT of the talus.

Recurrent Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal End Radius: A Case Report and Surgical Treatment with Wide Resection and Reconstruction with Non-Vascularised Autologous Proximal Fibular Graft

Giant cell tumour of the distal radius is the 3rd most common site after proximal tibia and distal femur. It is locally aggressive and is associated with a high rate of recurrence. Although it is usually treated with various modalities of treatment, wide resection and reconstruction with proximal fibular autograft is most commonly accepted in recurrent cases. The following is a case report of such a case with surgical management.

Retrospective analysis of patients with rare-site and metastatic giant cell tumor

A giant cell tumor occurs mainly in the proximal tibia,humerus,distal radius bone and the pelvic bone.It is rarely observed in such sites as the ribs and the temporal bone.The condition is primarily treated with surgical excision and functional reconstruction.The effect of chemotherapy on lung metastases and locally advanced giant cell tumors has remained unknown.We collected and analyzed the data of six patients with rare giant cell tumors located in the head and neck patients.After an average follow-up of 42.6 months after surgery （14 to 90 months）,no local recurrence or metastasis was observed.We also collected and analyzed the data of five patients with metastatic giant cell tumors who were undergoing surgery for the primary tumor before; of three patients who had experienced multiple chemotherapy cycles,one had spontaneous regression,and one survived for long timer despite progression.The other two patients had their major metastatic lesions resected by surgery,and presented long-term survival during the follow up.In addition,this study reports one patient with locally advanced giant cell tumor of the rib,who has undergone successful surgical resection following two cycles of chemotherapy with ifosfamide and liposomal doxorubicin.Complete resection of the lesion at the head and neck is the key to relapse-free survival.The prognosis of lung metastases in patients with giant cell tumors is relatively satisfying.Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is also conducive to the surgery for locally advanced lesions and improvement of the quality of life.

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor involving the cervical spine: A case report

BACKGROUND Tenosynovial giant cell tumors(TGCTs)are a frequent benign proliferative disease originating from the synovial membrane.However,TGCTs rarely occur in the spine.The purpose of this paper is to report a case of TGCT occurring in the cervical spine.Although the disease is rare,it is essential to consider the possibility of TGCT in axial skeletal lesions.Awareness of spinal TGCTs is important because their characteristics are similar to common spinal tumor lesions.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old man with a 2-year history of neck pain and weakness in both lower extremities was referred to our ward.Imaging revealed a mass extending from the left epidural space to the C4-5 paravertebral muscles with uneven enhancement.The tumor originated in the synovium of the C4-5 lesser joint and eroded mainly the C4-5 vertebral arch and spine.Puncture biopsy was suggestive of a giant cellrich lesion.The patient had pulmonary tuberculosis,and we first administered anti-tuberculosis treatment.After the preoperative requirements of the antituberculosis treatment were met,we used a posterior cervical approach to completely remove the mass after fixation with eight pedicle screws.The mass was identified as a TGCT by postoperative immunohistochemical analysis.Recurrence was not detected after 1 year of follow-up.CONCLUSION Spinal TGCTs are often misdiagnosed.The radiological changes are not specific.The ideal treatment comprises complete excision with proper internal fixation,which can significantly reduce postoperative recurrence.

Characteristics of primary giant cell tumor in soft tissue on magnetic resonance imaging:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary soft tissue giant cell tumor(GCT-ST)is rare and has relatively low malignant potential.Most reports are pathological and clinical studies,while imaging studies have only been reported in cases of adjacent bone or with atypical cystic degeneration.With regard to the findings on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)or ultrasonography,superficial masses can be further identified based on facial edema,skin thickening,skin contact,internal hemorrhage or necrosis and lobulation of the mass.Unlike deep-seated masses,MRI features do not always provide an accurate diagnosis for benign and malignant patients with superficial soft-tissue lesions.Thus,the application of diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)to evaluate superficial soft tissue tumors is necessary.CASE SUMMARY A 36-year-old woman who had a suspected malignant tumor in the upper limb on ultrasound and computed tomography is reported.The signal intensity of the suspected tumor was heterogeneous on plain MRI;nodular and heterogeneous enhancement was observed in the tumor with irregular shapes and blurred margins on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.The lesion on DWI was hyperintense with a higher mean apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value.Finally,a GCT-ST was confirmed by pathology.This case suggests that GCT-ST should be distinguished as a benign soft tissue mass from giant cell-rich soft tissue neoplasms or malignant tumors.CONCLUSION The MRI features of the superficial GCT-ST in the upper limb included heterogeneous signal intensity within the lesion on T2-weighted image(T2WI)and T1-weighted fat-saturation spoiled gradient recalled echo(T1 FSPGR),nodular enhancement with blurred margins,irregular shapes,and a slow-increased enhancement.DWI could be used to differentiate a benign soft tissue mass from a malignant mass by the mean ADC value and provide more radiologic-pathologic information for the diagnosis of GCT-ST.Comprehensive imaging of primary GCT-ST could help complete tumor resection,and in turn likely prolong survival after surgery.