Aims. Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive lesion that is difficult to treat as salvaging the joint can be associated with a high rate of local recurrence (LR). We evaluated the risk factors for tumour relapse after treatment of a GCTB of the limbs. Methods. A total of 354 consecutive patients with a GCTB underwent joint salvage by curettage and reconstruction with bone graft and/or cement or en bloc resection. Patient, tumour, and treatment factors were analyzed for their impact on LR. Patients treated with denosumab were excluded. Results. There were 53 LRs (15%) at a mean 30.5 months (5 to 116). LR was higher after curettage (18.4%) than after resection (4.6%; p = 0.008). Neither pathological fracture (p = 0.240), Campanacci grade (p = 0.734), soft-tissue extension (p = 0.297), or tumour size (p = 0.872) affected the risk of recurrence. Joint salvage was possible in 74% of patients overall (262/354), and 98% after curettage alone (262/267). Of 49 patients with LR after curettage, 44 (90%) underwent repeated curettage and joint salvage. For patients treated by curettage, only age less than 30 years (p = 0.042) and location in the distal radius (p = 0.043) predicted higher LR. The rate of LR did not differ whether cement or bone graft was used (p = 0.753), but may have been reduced by the use of hydrogen peroxide (p = 0.069). Complications occurred in 15.3% of cases (54/354) and did not differ by treatment. Conclusion. Most patients with a GCTB can undergo successful joint salvage by aggressive curettage, even in the presence of a soft-tissue mass, pathological fracture, or a large lesion, with an 18.4% risk of local recurrence. However, 90% of local relapses after curettage can be treated by repeat joint salvage. Maximizing joint salvage is important to optimize long-term function since most patients with a GCTB are young adults. Younger patients and those with distal radius tumours treated with joint-sparing procedures have a higher rate of local relapse and may require more aggressive treatment and closer follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):559–567

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of a joint-sparing technique such as curettage and grafting was successful in eradicating giant cell tumours of the proximal femur, or whether an alternative strategy was more appropriate. Between 1974 and 2012, 24 patients with a giant cell tumour of the proximal femur were treated primarily at our hospital. Treatment was either joint sparing or joint replacing. Joint-sparing treatment was undertaken in ten patients by curettage with or without adjunctive bone graft. Joint replacement was by total hip replacement in nine patients and endoprosthetic replacement in five. All 11 patients who presented with a pathological fracture were treated by replacement. Local recurrence occurred in five patients (21%): two were treated by hip replacement, three by curettage and none with an endoprosthesis. Of the ten patients treated initially by curettage, six had a successful outcome without local recurrence and required no further surgery. Three eventually needed a hip replacement for local recurrence and one an endoprosthetic replacement for mechanical failure. Thus 18 patients had the affected joint replaced and only six (25%) retained their native joint. Overall, 60% of patients without a pathological fracture who were treated with curettage had a successful outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:127–31

Aims. We performed a systematic literature review to define features of patients, treatment, and biological behaviour of multicentric giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone. Methods. The search terms used in combination were “multicentric”, “giant cell tumour”, and “bone”. Exclusion criteria were: reports lacking data, with only an abstract; papers not reporting data on multicentric GCT; and papers on multicentric GCT associated with other diseases. Additionally, we report three patients treated under our care. Results. A total of 52 papers reporting on 104 patients were included in the analysis, with our addition of three patients. Multicentric GCT affected predominantly young people at a mean age of 22 years (10 to 62), manifesting commonly as metachronous tumours. The mean interval between the first and subsequent lesions was seven years (six months to 27 years). Synchronous lesions were observed in one-third of the patients. Surgery was curettage in 63% of cases (163 lesions); resections or amputation were less frequent. Systemic treatments were used in 10% (n = 14) of patients. Local recurrence and distant metastases were common. Conclusion. Multicentric GCT is rare, biologically aggressive, and its course is unpredictable. Patients with GCT should be followed indefinitely, and referred promptly if new symptoms, particularly pain, emerge. Denosumab can have an important role in the treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1352–1361

Aims. Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) is one of the most common soft-tissue tumours of the foot and ankle and can behave in a locally aggressive manner. Tumour control can be difficult, despite the various methods of treatment available. Since treatment guidelines are lacking, the aim of this study was to review the multidisciplinary management by presenting the largest series of TGCT of the foot and ankle to date from two specialized sarcoma centres. Methods. The Oxford Tumour Registry and the Leiden University Medical Centre Sarcoma Registry were retrospectively reviewed for patients with histologically proven foot and ankle TGCT diagnosed between January 2002 and August 2019. Results. A total of 84 patients were included. There were 39 men and 45 women with a mean age at primary treatment of 38.3 years (9 to 72). The median follow-up was 46.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 21.3 to 82.3). Localized-type TGCT (n = 15) predominantly affected forefoot, whereas diffuse-type TGCT (Dt-TGCT) (n = 9) tended to panarticular involvement. TGCT was not included in the radiological differential diagnosis in 20% (n = 15/75). Most patients had open rather than arthroscopic surgery (76 vs 17). The highest recurrence rates were seen with Dt-TGCT (61%; n = 23/38), panarticular involvement (83%; n = 5/8), and after arthroscopy (47%; n = 8/17). Three (4%) fusions were carried out for osteochondral destruction by Dt-TGCT. There were 14 (16%) patients with Dt-TGCT who underwent systemic treatment, mostly in refractory cases (79%; n = 11). TGCT initially decreased or stabilized in 12 patients (86%), but progressed in five (36%) during follow-up; all five underwent subsequent surgery. Side effects were reported in 12 patients (86%). Conclusion. We recommend open surgical excision as the primary treatment for TGCT of the foot and ankle, particularly in patients with Dt-TGCT with extra-articular involvement. Severe osteochondral destruction may justify salvage procedures, although these are not often undertaken. Systemic treatment is indicated for unresectable or refractory cases. However, side effects are commonly experienced, and relapses may occur once treatment has ceased. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):788–794

Aims. The present study investigated receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) gene expressions in giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) patients in relationship with tumour recurrence. We also aimed to investigate the influence of CpG methylation on the transcriptional levels of RANKL and OPG. Methods. A total of 32 GCTB tissue samples were analyzed, and the expression of RANKL, OPG, and RUNX2 was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The methylation status of RANKL and OPG was also evaluated by quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP). Results. We found that RANKL and RUNX2 gene expression was upregulated more in recurrent than in non-recurrent GCTB tissues, while OPG gene expression was downregulated more in recurrent than in non-recurrent GCTB tissues. Additionally, we proved that changes in DNA methylation contribute to upregulating the expression of RANKL and downregulating the expression of OPG, which are critical for bone homeostasis and GCTB development. Conclusion. Our results suggest that the overexpression of RANKL/RUNX2 and the lower expression of OPG are associated with recurrence in GCTB patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(2):84–91

PVNS or TGCT (Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis, or Tenosynovial Giant Cell tumour) is a benign tumour affecting the synovial lining of joints and tendon sheaths, historically treated with surgical excision or debridement. We have shown previously this management is fraught with high recurrence rates, especially in its diffuse form. We present the encouraging early results of medical management for this condition with use of a CSF1 inhibitor, in comparison to a cohort of 137 cases previously treated at our institution

Aims. Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) treatment changed since the introduction of denosumab from purely surgical towards a multidisciplinary approach, with recent concerns of higher recurrence rates after denosumab. We evaluated oncological, surgical, and functional outcomes for distal radius GCTB, with a critically appraised systematic literature review. Methods. We included 76 patients with distal radius GCTB in three sarcoma centres (1990 to 2019). Median follow-up was 8.8 years (2 to 23). Seven patients underwent curettage, 38 curettage with adjuvants, and 31 resection; 20 had denosumab. Results. Recurrence rate was 71% (5/7) after curettage, 32% (12/38) after curettage with adjuvants, and 6% (2/31) after resection. Median time to recurrence was 17 months (4 to 77). Recurrences were treated with curettage with adjuvants (11), resection (six), or curettage (two). Overall, 84% (38/45) was cured after one to thee intralesional procedures. Seven patients had 12 months neoadjuvant denosumab (5 to 15) and sixmonths adjuvant denosumab; two recurred (29%). Twelve patients had six months neoadjuvant denosumab (4 to 10); five recurred (42%). Two had pulmonary metastases (2.6%), both stable after denosumab. Complication rate was 18% (14/76, with 11 requiring surgery). At follow-up, median MusculoSkeletal Tumour Society score was 28 (18 to 30), median Short Form-36 Health Survey was 86 (41 to 95), and median Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand was 7.8 (0 to 58). Conclusion. Distal radius GCTB treatment might deviate from general GCTB treatment because of complexity of wrist anatomy and function. Novel insights on surgical treatment are presented in this multicentre study and systematic review. Intralesional surgery resulted in high recurrence-rate for distal radius GCTB, also with additional denosumab. The large majority of patients however, were cured after repeated curettage. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(7):515–528

Aims. Local recurrence remains a challenging and common problem following curettage and joint-sparing surgery for giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB). We previously reported a 15% local recurrence rate at a median follow-up of 30 months in 20 patients with high-risk GCTB treated with neoadjuvant Denosumab. The aim of this study was to determine if this initial favourable outcome following the use of Denosumab was maintained with longer follow-up. Methods. Patients with GCTB of the limb considered high-risk for unsuccessful joint salvage, due to minimal periarticular and subchondral bone, large soft tissue mass, or pathological fracture, were treated with Denosumab followed by extended intralesional curettage with the goal of preserving the joint surface. Patients were followed for local recurrence, metastasis, and secondary sarcoma. Results. A total of 25 patients with a mean age of 33.8 years (18 to 67) with high-risk GCTB received median six cycles of Denosumab before surgery. Tumours occurred most commonly around the knee (17/25, 68%). The median follow-up was 57 months (interquartile range (IQR) 13 to 88). The joint was salvaged in 23 patients (92%). Two required knee arthroplasty due to intra-articular fracture and arthritis. Local recurrence developed in 11 patients (44%) at a mean of 32.5 months (3 to 75) following surgery, of whom four underwent repeat curettage and joint salvage. One patient developed secondary osteosarcoma and another benign GCT lung metastases. Conclusion. The use of Denosumab for joint salvage was associated with a higher than expected rate of local recurrence at 44%. Neoadjuvant Denosumab for joint-sparing procedures should be considered with caution in light of these results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):184–191

Background. Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) is a benign proliferative disease affecting synovial membranes. There are two forms, localised and diffuse, which although histologically similar are managed differently. It is locally invasive and is treated in most cases by operative excision. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes from the largest single-centre experience to date in patients with this condition. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 123 cases was performed in patients treated between 2003 and 2019 with TGCT of the foot and/or ankle. Data was collected on age at presentation, radiological pattern of disease, location of disease, treatment provided and recurrence rates. The minimum follow-up was 2 years with a mean of 7.7 years. Results. 47 male and 76 female patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 39 (range, 11–76) years were identified. 85 (69.1%) cases were categorised as localised and 38 (30.9%) were diffuse. Half of the cases presented in the ankle (62/123, 50.4%). 89% (110) of patients underwent open operative excision of the lesion. Radiotherapy was used in 2 cases for recurrent disease. Pain was the most common postoperative symptom which developed in 20% (22/110) of cases). 13 cases were managed nonoperatively where symptoms were minimal, with one case requiring surgery at a later date. Disease recurrence was 3.5% (3/85) in localised disease and 36.8% (14/38) in diffuse disease giving an overall recurrence rate of 13.8% (17/123). Conclusion. The outcomes of TGCT management are dependent on the type of disease, the extent of preoperative erosive changes and the presence of pre-operative pain. We present a summary of recommended management based on the experience from this single tertiary centre

Aims. Tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) is a rare benign tumour of the musculoskeletal system. Surgical management is fraught with challenges due to high recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to describe surgical treatment and evaluate surgical outcomes of TGCT at an Australian tertiary referral centre for musculoskeletal tumours and to identify factors affecting recurrence rates. Methods. A prospective database of all patients with TGCT surgically managed by two orthopaedic oncology surgeons was reviewed. All cases irrespective of previous treatment were included and patients without follow-up were excluded. Pertinent tumour characteristics and surgical outcomes were collected for analysis. Results. There were 111 total cases included in the study; 71 (64%) were female, the mean age was 36 years (SD 13.6), and the knee (n = 64; 57.7%) was the most commonly affected joint. In all, 60 patients (54.1%) had diffuse-type (D-TGCT) disease, and 94 patients (84.7%) presented therapy-naïve as "primary cases" (PC). The overall recurrence rate was 46.8% for TGCT. There was a statistically significant difference in recurrence rates between D-TGCT and localized disease (75.0% vs 13.7%, relative risk (RR) 3.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.17 to 5.34; p < 0.001), and for those who were referred in the ”revision cases” (RC) group compared to the PC group (82.4% vs 48.9%, RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.28; p = 0.011). Age, sex, tumour volume, and mean duration of symptoms were not associated with recurrence (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Recurrence rates remain high even at a tertiary referral hospital. Highest rates are seen in D-TGCT and “revision cases”. Due to the risks of recurrence, the complexity of surgery, and the need for adjuvant therapy, this paper further supports the management of TGCT in a tertiary referral multi-disciplinary orthopaedic oncology service. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):846–852

A giant cell tumour is a primary lesion of bone of intermediate severity. Its histogenesis is unclear. In a few cases pulmonary metastases have been described. Multiple skeletal metastases in the absence of sarcomatous change have been observed. We present a case report of a 25-year-old woman with a recurrent giant cell tumour of the distal fibula. After a second recurrence and six years after the initial diagnosis, she rapidly developed multiple bony metastases. The outcome was fatal

Aims. Giant cell tumours (GCTs) of the proximal femur are rare, and there is no consensus about the best method of filling the defect left by curettage. In this study, we compared the outcome of using a fibular strut allograft and bone cement to reconstruct the bone defect after extended curettage of a GCT of the proximal femur. Methods. In a retrospective study, we reviewed 26 patients with a GCT of the proximal femur in whom the bone defect had been filled with either a fibular strut allograft (n = 12) or bone cement (n = 14). Their demographic details and oncological and nononcological complications were retrieved from their medical records. Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results. Mean follow-up was 116 months (SD 59.2; 48 to 240) for the fibular strut allograft group and 113 months (SD 43.7; 60 to 192) for the bone cement group (p = 0.391). The rate of recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups (25% vs 21.4%). The rate of nononcological complications was 16.7% in the strut allograft group and 42.8% in the bone cement group. Degenerative joint disease was the most frequent nononcological complication in the cement group. The mean MSTS score of the patients was 92.4% (SD 11.5%; 73.3% to 100.0%) in the fibular strut allograft group and 74.2% (SD 10.5%; 66.7% to 96.7%) in the bone cement group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Given the similar rate of recurrence and a lower rate of nononcological complications, fibular strut grafting could be recommended as a method of reconstructing the bone defect left by curettage of a GCT of the proximal femur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):297–301

Introduction: Following intralesional resection of giant cell tumour local recurrence happens in up to 40% depending on type of treatment. Common plain radiography or Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) often has the problem not to discriminate between scar and recurrent tumour. Materials and Methods: In 19 patients with giant cell tumour dynamic PET using F18-Fluordeoxyglucose (FDG) for estimation of FDG turnover was carried out. PET was performed before surgery and as follow up. In case of evidence in x-ray or MRI of recurrent giant cell tumour PET was performed again. results of histologic evaluation after reoperation then were compared to results of PET. Results: All giant cell tumours showed a specific PET pattern with a very high standard uptake value (SUV) of 4.8 in median. In one case pulmonary metastases could be found. In follow up after surgery this value dropped to 0.3. Recurrence was suspected in the follow up in 5 patients by MRI or plain radiography. In all these patients PET could show an elevated SUV above 4.0. In these 5 patients surgery was performed and recurrence could be proven by histology. In one patient MRI was negative but PET showed a SUV of 5.2 indicating re-recurrent tumour which could be demonstrated by histology. Conclusion: We conclude that PET is a very helpful tool not only in the first line diagnosis of giant cell tumour but also in diagnosis of metastatic disease and especially for detection of recurrent tumour

Giant cell tumour is the most common aggressive benign tumour of the musculoskeletal system and has a high rate of local recurrence. When it occurs in proximity to the hip, reconstruction of the joint is a challenge. Options for reconstruction after wide resection include the use of a megaprosthesis or an allograft-prosthesis composite. We performed a clinical and radiological study to evaluate the functional results of a proximal femoral allograft-prosthesis composite in the treatment of proximal femoral giant cell tumour after wide resection. This was an observational study, between 2006 and 2012, of 18 patients with a mean age of 32 years (28 to 42) and a mean follow-up of 54 months (18 to 79). We achieved excellent outcomes using Harris Hip Score in 13 patients and a good outcome in five. All allografts united. There were no complications such as infection, failure, fracture or resorption of the graft, or recurrent tumour. Resection and reconstruction of giant cell tumours with proximal femoral allograft–prosthesis composite is a better option than using a prosthesis considering preservation of bone stock and excellent restoration of function. A good result requires demanding bone banking techniques, effective measures to prevent infection and stability at the allograft-host junction. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1106–10

Introduction: Giant cell tumours are locally highly aggressive and extremely unpredictable bone tumours. Treatment of spinal GCTs remains controversial. We report our experience of 11 Giant cell tumours of the spine identified from the Scottish Bone Tumour Registry. Materials and Methods: Details of 11 cases of histologically confirmed Giant cell tumours of the spine (9 benign and 2 malignant) between 1960 and 2004, were extracted from the Scottish Bone Tumour Registry. The casenotes and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed. Results: There was a slight feminine predominance of 7 cases. Mean age was 34 years (range, 16 to 61 years). The sacrum (5) was most common location, followed by lumbar (3), thoracic (2) and rarely in cervical (1). Operative intervention was carried out in 5 (curettage-1; excision-5). Three also received supplemented bone grafts. Radiotherapy (including some of the operative cases) was administered in 9 patients. There were 5 recurrences (45.4%). There were 7 survivors 2 of whom still had evidence of persistent primary disease. Two died with unrelated illnesses and two from local recurrences. Conclusions: Axial GCTs behave aggressively with a high recurrence rate (45%). Radiotherapy is useful in the management of GCTs of the spine and conservative surgery with local radiotherapy is a viable treatment option in some selected patients

Giant cell tumours of tendon sheaths have been given multiple denominations due to the uncertain pathologic nature of this lesion. Various contributory factors have been accounted for a wide variation in their recurrence rates. Owing to their high recurrence rates ranging from 9% to 44%, these tumours continue to present with treatment dilemma. There is a lack of consensus regarding how to best manage the balance between extensive dissection and preservation of normal tissues for normal function and recovery versus the risk of recurrence. The authors studied 46 patients with histopathologically confirmed Giant cell tumours over a period of 9 years between 1997 and 2006. The average follow-up in this case series was 35 months. This study aims to analyse the distribution of giant cell tumours of tendon sheaths in hand and our experience with their resection in a District General Hospital with possible predictors associated with recurrence. The referral letters, radiographs, operative and histology records were reviewed. The data was carefully analysed including patients' age and sex at the time of presentation and surgery, presenting symptoms, any associated trauma and the anatomical location of the tumour. A telephonic questionnaire was conducted and the patients with any complications or recurrence were reviewed. Our recurrence rate of 8.6% (4 patients) is lower than previously reported in the literature when the patients did not receive post-operative radiotherapy. Recurrence was seen to be statistically higher in cases where the tumours were excised piecemeal as opposed to removed in one piece and in patients with osseous erosions which were confirmed radiologically and intra-operatively. No atypical mitosis was reported on histology. None of our patients received radiotherapy post-operatively. Other factors including age, size, degenerative joint disease and location within the digit were not confirmed as risk factors in our study. We recommend meticulous surgical technique by an experienced hand surgeon and warning patients of the risk of recurrence if any risk factors were identified

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath is usually benign in nature but their tendency to recur is well known, this cause problems for surgeons and there is always a puzzle in determining the appropriate therapy. This study was done to highlight characteristics, differential diagnosis and current options of treatment for giant cell tumour of tendon sheath. We report two cases treated at our hospital. Both are females, one of 24 years while other was 65 years at the time of diagnosis. First patient had incidental associated benign teratoma of ovary as well. One tumour was of thumb in non dominant hand while in older patient it was at distal interphalangeal joint of ring finger in dominant hand. Both presented with history of slowly growing painful swelling, they were treated with local excision but in both patients there was an aggressive local recurrence. Revision surgery was performed with wider local excision. There was no recurrence this time. Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath is mostly benign condition but need to be differentiated from serious conditions like clear cell sarcoma. Therapy of choice is local excision. Wider excision after surgery should be reconsidered where microscopic examination reveals a lesion with characteristics suggestive of potential aggressive behaviour. A literature review and discussion of salient diagnostic and treatment issues is included

Aims. There is a lack of evidence about the risk factors for local recurrence of a giant cell tumour (GCT) of the sacrum treated with nerve-sparing surgery, probably because of the rarity of the disease. This study aimed to answer two questions: first, what is the rate of local recurrence of sacral GCT treated with nerve-sparing surgery and second, what are the risk factors for its local recurrence?. Methods. A total of 114 patients with a sacral GCT who underwent nerve-sparing surgery at our hospital between July 2005 and August 2017 were reviewed. The rate of local recurrence was determined, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis carried out to evaluate the mean recurrence-free survival. Possible risks factors including demographics, tumour characteristics, adjuvant therapy, operation, and laboratory indices were analyzed using univariate analysis. Variables with p < 0.100 in the univariate analysis were further considered in a multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify the risk factors. Results. The rate of local recurrence of sacral GCT treated with nerve-sparing surgery was 28.95% (33/114). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that large tumour size (> 8.80 cm) (hazard ratio (HR) 3.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27 to 7.87; p = 0.014), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (> 2.09) (HR 3.13; 95% CI 1.28 to 7.62; p = 0.012), involvement of a sacroiliac joint (HR 3.09; 95% CI 1.06 to 9.04; p = 0.039), and massive intraoperative blood loss (> 1,550 ml) (HR 2.47; 95% CI 1.14 to 5.36; p = 0.022) were independent risk factors for local recurrence. Conclusion. Patients with a sacral GCT who undergo nerve-sparing surgery have a local recurrence rate of 29%. Large tumour size, high NLR, involvement of a sacroiliac joint, and massive intraoperative blood loss are independent risk factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1392–1398

Because of the lack of a suitable in vivo model for giant cell tumors of bone little is known about their biological behavior and mechanisms of metastasis. No existing cell line contains all tumor components, so that testing of anti tumor agents is hardly possible. We therefore modified the chick chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) assay for giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). Out of tumor tissue obtained during surgery of 5 patients a solution was produced. The solute was grafted onto the CAM at day 10 of embryonic development. The growth process was monitored by daily observation and photo documentation using in vivo microscopy. After 5 to 6 days of tumor growth the samples were fixed in formalin and further analyzed using standard histology (hematoxylin and eosin stains). The tissue solute of all 5 patients formed solid tumors when grafted to the CAM. In vivo microscopy and standard histology revealed a rich vascularisation of the tumors. The tumors were composed of the typical components of GCTB including multinuclear giant cells. A reliable protocol for grafting of human giant cell tumors onto the chick chorio-allantoic membrane was established. This model is the first in vivo model for giant cell tumors of bone. Further characterization of the growing tissue is necessary in further experiments

Introduction: Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is an expansile osteolytic tumour of bone which contains numerous osteoclast-like giant cells. GCTB is a locally aggressive tumour which can cause extensive bone destruction that can be difficult to control surgically, up to 35% of cases recurring after simple curettage. Bisphosphonates are anti-resorptive agents that have proved effective in the treatment of a number of osteolytic conditions. Methods: This study reports results from four European centres where bisphosphonates are being used to treat problematic GCTBs. Details of treatment with bisphosphonates of 25 cases of primary, recurrent and metastatic GCTBs was assessed clinically and radiologically. Results: Most primary/recurrent tumours did not exhibit progressive enlargement and, in some cases, both primary and metastatic GCTBs showed a degree of radiological improvement following treatment. Some patients also noted relief of pain following treatment. In a few cases, no apparent treatment effect was noted and there was disease progression. Several inoperable large spinal/pelvic GCTBs remained stable in size following treatment. Discussion: Our findings provide preliminary evidence for the use of bisphosphonates to inhibit the progressive osteolysis associated with GCTB. These agents had a beneficial clinical and/or radiological effect in most cases. This study reports results from four European centres and highlights the fact that these centres are all employing different clinical indications and different regimes of bisphosphonate treatment. Bisphosphonates have significant side effects and indications for treatment and standardisation of drug type and dosage regimes (and measurement of agreed outcome measures to determine treatment efficacy) should be established for the use of these agents to control GCTB tumour growth and osteolysis