Therapy with alpha interferon for advanced and metastatic giant cell tumor of bone

Abstract

9078 Background: Previous reports by Yasko et al presented at AAOS 2002 on twelve patients conclude that interferon-a can induce important responses including complete responses in pt. with locally advanced and metastatic giant cell tumor of bone. The objective of this report is to confirm these encouraging findings. Methods: Four patients were treated with alpha interferon for locally advanced (3) and metastatic (1) giant cell tumor of bone. 5 million units subcutaneously twice a week for four weeks and one week rest,for six cycles.The four patients are female with ages 21 to39 yrs. with a follow up between one and three years. Sites of disease are sacrum(1),spine(1),radius(1),and humerus and scapula(1).The pt.with the radius primary had billateral lung metastases at the moment of diagnosis.Adequate surgery was not feasable in the pts. with these tumors due to the extent of surrounding tissue invasion.or the presence of multiple metastases.Three pt. had been previously treated with radiotherapy and two had also received doxorrubicin and cisplatin.The pt with the tumor in the sacrum had also received multiple embolizations with gel foam. Results: The four patints are currently alive,two of them had a complete response,these are documented by ct scanning (sacrum and spine sustained for 36 and 12 months) the patient with the pulmonary metastases had a complete dissapearance of the lesions in the lung but persistence in the radius which was then treated with amputation and she is currently free of disease 24 mos.,the remaining pt with humeral and shoulder soft tissue involvement has important radiological and physical improvement and is asymptomatic with a better range of motion of the affected shoulder. Conclusions: Alpha interferon can induce durable response in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic giant cell tumor of bone,and a phase II multiinstitutional trial may be warranted,to determine the best dosing and duration of treatment No significant financial relationships to disclose.