Cryosurgery is a well established modality in the treatment of benign aggressive and low grade malignant tumours. In this setting it allows for intra-lesional resection and preservation of function without compromising oncological outcome. Here we present the outcome of 87 patients treated with cryosurgery for low-grade chondrosarcoma of bone. 87 patients were treated between 1988 and 2005. The mean age was 51 years (range, 8-77 years), and included 47 females and 40 males. Minimal follow-up was two years. Patients were treated for lesions of the distal femur (n = 30), proximal humerus (n = 33), proximal femur (n = 5), proximal tibia (n = 10), and the remaining sites included the iliac bone, distal tibia, forearm, carpal and tarsal bones (n=10). Patients were treated with intralesional curettage through a cortical window, adjuvant burr drilling, cryotherpay and reconstruction with cement or bone graft and hardware fixation when that was clinically indicated.Background
Materials and methods
Bumps and lumps of the hand are a common cause for consultation in general practice. However not all of these lesions are of true neoplastic nature and malignant tumours are a rarity in this location. The records of all tumours of the hand and wrist treated surgically at our institution in the period 1994 to 2009 were reviewed. Because of their non-neoplastic nature typical lesions of the hand such as ganglion cysts or palmar fibromatosis and the like were not included in this study. Histological entity, location, radiographic and clinical findings were analysed; malignant tumours were followed up by X-ray and MRI.Aim
Method
To present our experience and results of percutaneus sclerotherapy of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC). All patients from January 2007 to September 2009, where radiology and cytology were consistent with ABC (n=20), were treated with repeated injections of 30 mg/ml polidocanol. The mean age was 16 (5-27) years. There were 13 lesions in the long bones, 2 in the pelvic bones, 2 in the sacrum, 2 in the foot, and 1 in a finger. The sclerotherapy was performed under fluoroscopic or CT guidance and under local or general anesthesia. Each injection consisted of 2 mg polidocanol per kg body weight. Three injections with an interval of 4 weeks were most commonly scheduled. Radiological assessment was performed regularly after the last injection. Injections were continued if the lesion had not healed.Aim
Method
The recent discovery of small non-coding RNAs, so-called micro RNAs (miRNAs), has provided new insights into cancer diagnosis. Several studies have shown that profiles of miRNA expression differ between normal tissue and tumour tissue and vary among tumour types. To exploit this difference, we evaluated the feasibility of using muscle-specific miRNAs (miR-1, 133a, 133b, 206) as biomarkers of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Total RNA was extracted from 16 cell lines (7 RMS, 4 neuroblastoma, 3 Ewing sarcoma and 2 malignant rhabdoid tumour) and 21 tumour specimens (7 RMS, 1 Ewing sarcoma, 4 undifferentiated sarcoma, 1 osteosarcoma, 1 alveolar soft part sarcoma, 2 neuroblastoma, 2 Wilms tumour, 1 malignant rhabdoid tumour, 1 adrenal carcinoma and 1 retinoblastoma). miRNA was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. The expression levels of miRNAs were calculated utilizing the delta-delta Ct method, normalised to the level of miR-16, and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.Aim
Method
Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RS) are rare tumours that may reach considerable size at diagnosis and should optimally be treated by a specialized multidisciplinary team. In Sweden, we have since 10 years enforced referral of RS to sarcoma centers, but have experienced a considerable delay, which provides the basis for this study on delays in RS diagnosis and treatment. We identified 33 patients treated for RS at the Southern Sweden Sarcoma Center (covering a population of 1.5 million), Lund University Hospital between 2003-2009. Data, including onset of symptoms, time to diagnosis and time to treatment were recorded from clinical files. Patient's delay was defined as the time from onset of symptoms to the first visit to a doctor, which could be a general practitioner or a specialist. Doctor's delay was defined as the time from the first visit to a doctor to the start of treatment, which was in most cases surgery. In total, 30 patients were referred to the sarcoma centre for treatment. Complete data are available from 25 patients (13 men) with a median age of 62 (20-86) years. Median patient's delay was 15 days (0-9 months) and median doctor's delay was 97 days (0-40 months). Median doctor's delay was indeed somewhat longer (52 days) at the sarcoma centre than at the local hospitals (38 days). Some of the longest delays were caused by primary erroneous diagnosis (16 and 40 months) and comorbidity (4, 8 and 19 months) that required other medical procedures before surgery. Though almost all patients with RS in Southern Sweden are referred to a sarcoma centre for treatment, delays are considerable for many patients with doctor's delays outnumbering patient's delays. Our findings demonstrate that centralisation per se is not sufficient to treat RS, but that optimized diagnostics and clinical management is needed also at sarcoma centers.
Grade is the most important predictor of the biological behaviour of soft tissue sarcomas. Assigning a pathologic grade is always a difficult task as discordance rate is 30-40% even among experienced sarcoma pathologists. Many of these tumours are heterogeneously large and only small fractions are sampled for biopsy. This emphasizes the need for an objective and accurate assessment of histology. Our aim is to evaluate the role of Choline as a tumour marker in (i) differentiating benign from malignant soft tissue tumour, (ii) to distinguish recurrent/residual tumours using in-vivo MR spectroscopy. PMRS Study was performed at 1.5Tesla MRI machine of the lesions in 25 patients. Single-voxel (SVS) study has been done in 10 cases and chemical shift imaging (CSI) study characterised the heterogeneity of the tumour in 15 cases by using point – resolved spectroscopic sequence (PRESS) with echo time TR=2000/TE = 30, 135 & 270 msec. The choline peak, identified at 3.2 ppm in spectra was considered significant. MRS results and histopathologic findings were correlated and P < 0.001, considered being significant.Aim
Methods
The aim of this study was to analyze our results using a modular endoprosthetic replacement system (MUTARS) for bone tumours of the proximal humerus. Thirty-nine patients were treated with a MUTARS endoprosthesis of the proximal humerus. Mean follow-up was 38 months (3-138 months). Most operations were necessitated by metastasis (n=30); surgery for a primary tumour (n=9) was less frequent. The Enneking score and the active ranges of motion for shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation were recorded. Complete refixation of the rotator cuff was possible in 23 cases. Radiographs also were obtained.Aim
Methods
The saddle prosthesis was originally developed for reconstruction of large acetabular defects in hip revision arthroplasty. Later on the saddle prosthesis was also used for hip reconstruction after resection of peri-acetabular tumours. In case of patient survival a long-term good hip function is required of the saddle prosthesis. The goal of this study is the measurement of long-term clinical results of saddle prosthesis after reconstruction of peri-acetabular tumours. Between 1987 and 2003 a total of 17 patients were treated in the Leiden University Medical Center with saddle prosthesis after resection of peri-acetabular tumours (12 chondrosarcoma, 3 osteosarcoma, 1 malignant fibrous histiocytoma, 1 metastasis). 11 of the 17 patients died, the mean survival was 37 months (range 2-59 months), and 6 patients were still alive (follow-up 12.1 year, range 8.3–16.8 year). The outcome was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire, the Toronto Extrimity Salvage Score (TESS) and the Musculo Skeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score. In 1 patient the saddle prosthesis was removed already after 3 months because of luxation and infection.Aim
Method
To report late development of sarcomas on sites of previously curetted and grafted benign tumours. Rare cases of development of sarcomas in sites of previous benign lesions are documented, and the development is generally considered secondary to progression of benign lesions, even without radiotherapy. In our files, 12 cases curetted and grafted, without radiotherapy addition developed sarcomas from 6 to 28 years from curettage (median 18). Age at first diagnosis (9 GCT, 1 benign fibrous histiocytoma, ABC and solitary bone cyst) ranged from 13 to 55 (median 30). For all cases radiographic and clinic documentation was available. Histology was available for 7 of the benign lesions and for all malignant lesions. The type of bone used to fill cavities was autoplastic in 4 cases, homoplastic in 2 cases, homoplastic and tricalciumphosphate/hydrossiapatite in 1 case, autoplastic and homoplastic in 1 cases, heteroplastic in 1 case. In 3 cases the origin was not reported. Secondary sarcomas, all high grade, were 8 OS, 3 MFH, and 1 fibrosarcoma.Aim
Methods and Results
The pelvis has always been a difficult area for surgeons, with high complication rates from surgery and the perception of poor oncological outcomes. The aim of the study was to look at the surgical and oncological outcomes of pelvic tumours treated at our centre. From the 3100 primary bone tumours seen at the ROH. Information was retrieved on 539 patients seen with a primary bone tumour of the pelvis. The demographic details, oncological and surgical outcomes were reviewed.Introduction
Methods
We present the greatest study of patients with proximal fibula resection. Moreover we describe a new classification system for tumour resection of the proximal fibula independent of the tumour dignity. In 57 patients the functional and clinical outcome was evaluated. The follow up ranged between 6 months and 22.2 years (median 7.2 years). Indicationfor surgery was in 10 cases benign tumours and in 47 cases malignant tumours. In 32 patients a resection of the peroneal with resulting peroneal palsy was necessary.Aim
Method
Grade is the most important predictor of the biological behaviour of soft tissue sarcomas. Assigning a pathologic grade is always a difficult task as discordance rate is 30-40% even among experienced sarcoma pathologists. Many of these tumours are heterogeneously large and only small fractions are sampled for biopsy. This emphasizes the need for an objective and accurate assessment of histology. Our aim is to evaluate the role of Choline as a tumour marker in (i) differentiating benign from malignant soft tissue tumour, (ii) to distinguish recurrent/residual tumours using in-vivo MR spectroscopy. PMRS Study was performed at 1.5Tesla MRI machine of the lesions in 25 patients. Single-voxel (SVS) study has been done in 10 cases and chemical shift imaging (CSI) study characterised the heterogeneity of the tumour in 15 cases by using point – resolved spectroscopic sequence (PRESS) with echo time TR=2000/TE = 30, 135 & 270 msec. The choline peak, identified at 3.2 ppm in spectra was considered significant. MRS results and histopathologic findings were correlated and P < 0.001, considered being significant.Aim
Methods
Bone lesions in Ewing's sarcoma (ES/PNET) have been traditionally diagnosed with bone Scan. PET-scan is emerging as a promising investigative modality for detection of metastatic lesions. In this prospective study, we compare the utility of both to detect the metastatic sites. One hundred and seventy five histologically proven cases of ESPNET from 2004-2009 were prospectively staged with bone scan and PET-scan with Breath- hold CT scan- thorax. The diagnostic value of PET-scan to pick up metastatic lesions was compared with bone scan.Background
Methods
There is currently no standard follow up protocol for patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for high-grade osteosarcoma. We therefore investigated the possibility of creating a risk based follow-up protocol for patients with primary osteosarcomas. 313 patients diagnosed with primary osteosarcomas were studied. The identified risk factors for local recurrence included poor necrosis, inadequate margins and high risk tumour site in the bone. The risk factors for metastases were poor necrosis, inadequate margins, extra-compartmental stage and tumour size ≥5cm. The risk of local recurrence and/or metastases within three years of diagnosis increases as the number of risk factors increase. Patients were grouped according to their number of risk factors. The cumulative risk of metastases for patients with 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 risk factors is 0%, 12%, 21%, 54% and 60% respectively (p=<0.0001). Risk of local recurrence for patients with 0, 1, 2 and 3 risk factors is 5%, 14%, 25% and 20% respectively (p=0.0025). Our investigation shows that by grouping patients together according to their number of identified risk factors, it is possible to identify groups of patients that are most at risk. This information can be used to design an evidence based follow up protocol which would have important implications for clinical practice.
Bone tumours rarely involve the joint surface as cartilage is thought to be a good barrier to tumour spread. When the tumour does cross the surface the surgeon is faced with the dilemma of whether to amputate the limb, resect it without reconstruction or reconstruct with an implant. This paper aims to investigate the oncological and functional outcomes of patients undergoing an extra-articular resection and reconstruction with an endoprosthesis. 3100 patients have been seen in ROH with primary bone tumours. Patients were identified who had an extra-articular resection considered pre-operatively and the notes and imaging was reviewed. This group was subdivided into a group who did have an extra-articular resection (EAR) and those who either had an amputation or traditional through joint resection. The outcomes of the three groups (group 1 = no joint involvement, group 2 = EAR considered but not done and group 3 = EAR) were then compared in terms of oncological outcome, surgical margins and complications.Introduction
Method
To evaluate outcome and complications of knee arthrodesis with a modular prosthetic system (MUTARS(r) Implantcast), as primary and revision implants in musculoskeletal oncology. Between 1975 and 2009, 24 prostheses were used for knee arthrodesis. Nineteen in oncologic cases: 6 osteosarcomas, chondrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma and metastatic carcinoma 3 each, 2 pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), malignant fibrous hystiocitoma and giant cell tumour 1 each. Patients were grouped into: A) primary implants, B) revision implants. Group A included 9 patients: 8 arthrodeses after extra-articular resection with major soft tissue removal, 1 after primary resection following multiple excisions of locally recurrent PVNS. Group B included 15 patients: 12 arthrodeses for infection (5 infected TKAs, 7 infected megaprostheses), 2 for failures of temporary arthodesis with Kuntscher nail and cement, 1 for recurrent chondrosarcoma in previous arthrodesis.Aim
Method
To compare the functional outcome of proximal femoral reconstruction using endoprosthetic replacement and hip arthrodesis using a vascularised fibular graft The study included thirty-five patients who had proximal femoral reconstruction following resection of a malignant bone tumour. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the reconstructive modality used. Group 1 (15 patients) reconstructed by hip arthrodesis using a vascularised fibular graft. Group 2 (20 patients) reconstructed by endoprosthesis. The mean age of group I was 14.9 years (range, 7-25). 8 patients had Ewing's sarcoma, 5 osteogenic sarcoma, and 2 chondrosarcoma. In group 2, the mean age was 35 years (range, 14-61). Eight patients had osteogenic sarcoma, 2 chondrosarcoma, 2 Ewing's sarcoma, 1 lymphoma, 1 MFH, 1 synovial sarcoma, 1 parosteal osteosarcoma, and 4 metastatic carcinomas.Aim
Material and Methods
It is common practice nowadays to treat patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) surgically. Extend and type of surgery should be in proper relation to the expected survival time of the patient. It is still difficult to predict patient's survival time and different scoring systems are used. Reliable prediction of survival is mandatory, in that way adjustable surgical treatment can be established. Evaluating potential prognostic factors for survival after surgery for MESCC.Background
Aim
Assess symptoms and diagnostic problems of chest wall chondrosarcoma and factors related to long doctor's delay. The material included all 106 consecutive patients with chondrosarcoma of the chest wall diagnosed in Sweden 1980-2002. Pathological specimens were re-evaluated and graded by the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group pathology board. Files from the very first medical visit for symptoms related to the chondrosarcoma were traced and used to characterise the initial symptoms, calculate patient's and doctor's delay and to identify factors contributing to the delaysAim
Methods
Local treatment of Ewing sarcoma of the hip bones and sacrum remains one of the most difficult tasks in the treatment of bone sarcomas. We investigated the difference between size, local treatment and overall survival in Ewing sarcoma of the sacrum and hip bones. Patients with Ewing sarcoma of the hip bones or sacrum, diagnosed between 1986 and 2009, were identified through the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group registry. Data regarding tumour size, local treatment (radiation or surgery), local recurrence, surgical margin, metastatic disease, and overall survival were analyzed and compared between the two locations (hip bone or sacrum).Aim
Methods
