Deep infection following endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) of long bones is a devastating complication occurring in 15% of musculoskeletal tumour patients. The recently published PARITY Trial demonstrated that extending antibiotic prophylaxis from 24 hours to 5 days does not reduce infection rates. However, questions remain about the optimal antibiotic choice and dose. A 23-question multiple-choice questionnaire was designed and piloted through an iterative feedback process until the final version was agreed by all authors. Open and closed-ended questions were used to gather information on practice and Likert-type scale responses were used to grade responses to ascertain surgeon perceptions and preferences. The online survey was sent to all surgeon delegates of the 34th Annual Meeting of the European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society in London in October 2022.Aim
Method
Myxofibrosarcomas are malignant soft tissue tumours that often present as painless slowly growing masses in the extremities of older males. Locally infiltrative growth means risks of local recurrence is high. Management emphasises negative surgical margins and adjuvant therapy. The aim of this retrospective case series was to review our experience of this tumour, and make recommendations about a minimum resection margin and how best to utilise the expertise of the multidisciplinary team. A computerised database identified patients with myxofibrosarcoma surgically treated in our centre between 1997 and 2011. Clinical records were reviewed. Margins were positive if tumour was at or within 1mm of the resection plane.Background
Methods
Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) plays a role in the progression of several common solid cancers. Given that osteosarcoma features extensive local invasion and haematogenous metastases, we hypothesised that osteosarcoma cells utilise MT1-MMP to drive these processes. Moreover, since hypoxia regulates MT1-MMP expression in breast cancer we investigated the effects of hypoxia on MT1-MMP expression in osteosarcoma cells.
Examination of MT1-MMP expression in osteosarcoma biopsy tissue in relation to clinical outcome Assessment of MT1-MMP, together with hypoxia inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α expression in a panel of osteosarcoma cell lines under normoxia and hypoxiaBackground
Aims
Solitary plasmacytoma of bone is a locally aggressive lesion seen by sarcoma teams. Some patients progress to myeloma. Local therapy decisions can be complex. This study reviews the experience of this condition in a single centre with a view to informing future treatment. This was a retrospective review of clinical records.Aims
Methods
Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) are rare soft tissue sarcomas. Challenges in management include the variation in anatomical location and uncertain malignant potential. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with the aim of formulating guidelines on appropriate treatment. An electronic database identified patients with SFT presenting between 2003–2011. Clinical records were reviewed.Introduction and aims
Methods
Decisions about local treatment are important in osteosarcoma treatment. The purpose of this study was to review decisions about local treatment in one centre. This was a retrospective review of the records of all patients with high-grade extremity osteosarcoma presenting to our centre between 1997 and 2008. Particular attention was paid to local control decisions.Background
Methods
Aseptic loosening is the most common mode of failure of massive endoprostheses. Introduction of Hydroxyapatite coated collars have reduced the incidence of aseptic loosening. However bone growth is not always seen on these collars. The aims of our study were to determine the extent of osseous integration of Hydroxyapatite coated collars, attempt a grading system for bone growth and to determine the effect of diagnosis, surgical technique and adjuvant therapy on bone growth.Introduction
Objectives
The Two Week Waiting Time Standard, which requires that patients with suspected cancer referred by general practitioners should be seen within 2 weeks, was introduced in 2000. We reviewed the performance of this standard with regards to proportion of patients seen and tumour detection rates. We reviewed all the referrals sent under the ‘two week’ rule from January 2004 to December 2005, to our bone and soft tissue sarcoma service. These referrals were evaluated for: Whether or not the referral met established referral guidelines for bone and soft tissue tumours The proportion of patients seen within two weeks The proportion of patients referred under the guidelines that had malignant tumours. This was compared with the total number of referrals to the unit and their tumour detection rates. A total of 40 patients were referred under the ‘two week’ rule. 95% of these were seen within two weeks of referral. Of the 40 patients, three patients had soft tissue metastasis from a primary tumour elsewhere, and six had primary malignant soft tissue tumours. 13 had a benign bone/ soft tissue tumour. 18 (45%) patients had a non neoplastic pathology (6 Muscle tear/ herniation; 4 ganglion/bursa; 2 lumps that disappeared) During the same period a total of 507 patients were referred by other routes.Introduction
Methods and results
