Giant Cell Tumor of Bone, current treatments, and potential therapeutic alternatives

Abstract

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a primary bone tumor, locally aggressive. For many, a GCTB is considered a tumor with an unpredictable behavior, particularly regarding recurrences, pulmonary implants, and the possibility of primary malignancy. In terms of risk of recurrence, it is known that it is associated with the type of treatment used initially for the GCTB. The greater the number or recurrences, the greater the risk of pulmonary implants, and the greater the risk of malignant degeneration. Therefore, much of the prognosis of this tumor could be related to the type of initial treatment. Hence the importance of the treatment theme. This review includes a comparison between the various modalities for treatment in GCTB, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Existing GCTB treatments are not 100% safe and effective at the same time. and this is the reason why the search for other treatment modalities should continue to offer a better oncologic and functional outcome to patients. In the end of this review, based on research work, we also mention other possible therapeutic options that could be explored and used in the future for GCT treatment.