Intralesional Procedures Research Articles

Vezani muskulokutani režanj trapeziusa u rekonstrukciji defekta u regiji ramena nakon resekcije mekotkivnog sarkoma - prikaz slučaja i pregled literature

Introduction: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) in the extremities require complex treatment involving limb-sparing surgery with adjuvant therapy. The treatment involves tumor resection with wide margins along with additional radiation and/ or chemotherapy. In addition to tumor resection, an important aspect is the reconstruction of the resulting soft tissue defect. For extensive reconstructive procedures in the upper extremities, literature suggests the use of free or pedicled flaps. In the shoulder region, due to its complex regional anatomy, selecting an appropriate flap is the surgical imperative. Recently, there has been significant interest in the use of the pedicled trapezius musculocutaneous flap, which offers certain advantages over other flaps. Case report: A female patient (31 years old) with STS in the left shoulder region, was surgically treated three times. The first surgery involved an intralesional procedure - R2 resection when a pleomorphic dermal sarcoma was diagnosed. After five months, a recurrence of the disease was detected based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at the site of the surgical scar. Tumor resection was performed, and the soft tissue defect was covered with a free Thiersch partial-thickness skin graft. Histopathological analysis revealed a high-grade leiomyosarcoma. Two months after the second surgery, MRI findings confirmed a recurrence of the disease. Wide tumor resection was conducted, and the soft tissue defect was covered with a pedicled lower trapezius musculocutaneous flap. Conclusion: The literature lacks studies describing the outcomes of the use of trapezius flaps in the reconstruction of defects in the shoulder region following STS resection. Additionally, there is no unanimous official opinion on the resection margin width that is considered safe. The treatment outcome of our patient indicates the significant potential and advantages of the trapezius flap, as compared to other flaps of that region.

Surgical treatment for pelvic bone metastatic disease from renal cell carcinoma.

Pelvic bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are challenging due to their destructive pattern, poor response to radiotherapy and hypervascularity. The purpose of our study was to review a series of patients undergoing surgical treatment with the aim to investigate: 1) survival; 2) local disease control; and 3) complications. A series of 16 patients was reviewed. A curettage procedure was performed on 12 patients. In eight the lesion involved the acetabulum; a cemented hip arthroplasty with cage was performed in seven; a flail hip in one. Four patients received a resection; in two cases with acetabular involvement, reconstruction was performed with a custom-made prosthesis and with an allograft and prosthesis. Disease-specific survival accounted for 70% at 3 years and 41% at 5 years. Only one local tumor progression after curettage occurred. Revision surgery (flail hip) was necessary for deep infection of the custom-made prosthesis. A prolonged survival in patients affected by bone metastatic disease from RCC can justify also major surgical procedures. Due to a low local progression rate after intralesional procedures, curettage, cement and a total hip arthroplasty with cage, when feasible, should be considered as an alternative to more demanding surgeries like resections and reconstructions. Level 4.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the distal lower extremity and the role of radiotherapy: A report of two cases

We report two cases of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) in the distal lower extremity. Our first patient had unicentric EHE of the left os calcis initially treated with an intralesional procedure; however, later developed two recurrences which were managed with radiation therapy. Our second patient had multicentric EHE of the distal tibia and fibula managed with primary radiation therapy. Although EHE is typically treated with wide resection or an intralesional procedure, we present two cases of EHE in the distal lower extremity to discuss the therapeutic role of radiation therapy in the management of distal EHE.

Oncological and functional outcome in a rare case of clear cell chondrosarcoma of the proximal femur

Chondrosarcomas are the second most common bone sarcomas, accounting for less than 0.5% of all cancers. The treatment plan can be improved by analyzing clinical characteristics and treatment patterns. The rarity and slow-growing nature of this tumour often lead to prolonged symptoms and also initial misdiagnosis with avascular necrosis of the femur, benign bone lesions like chondroblastoma. The initial reports of this patient suggested avascular necrosis of the femur head. His pain became severe and further investigations were done, MRI confirmed the diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma. An image-guided core needle biopsy suggested Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma (CCC). Wide local resection with negative margins forms the mainstay of treatment since intralesional procedures predispose to a high local recurrence rate. A prolonged follow-up is required since late local recurrences of tumour and distant metastases are common.

Mid-term results of giant cell tumours with pathologic fractures around the knee: a multicentre retrospective study

ObjectiveThe aims of this work are to present a classification of “complex fracture” and “simple fracture”, to compare their features, treatments and prognosis in patients with giant cell tumour with pathologic fractures around the knee, and to determine the best surgical method for patients who have giant cell tumour around the knee with different degrees of fracture.MethodsData from 130 patients with pathologic fractures from giant cell tumour around the knee who underwent surgical treatment from March 2000 to November 2015 at 6 institutes around China were collected and analysed. A multicentric study design was used to explore the epidemiological features and to compare differences in the surgical procedures and prognosis of the two fracture groups. The mean age at diagnosis was 37.1 years old (range, 13-77 years). The median follow-up was 126.5 months, ranging from 68 to 370 months.ResultsThe general clinical and imaging features of the groups of patients with simple and complex fractures, namely, sex, age, the lesion site, living or working environment, eccentric growth patterns, Campanacci grading system, and duration of symptoms before treatment, showed varying degrees of differences, but with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The incidence rate of surrounding soft tissue mass was 35.2% (32/91) in the group with simple fractures, whereas it was 87.2% (34/39) in the group with complex fractures, which showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Wide resection and reconstruction with joint replacement were performed more often in patients with complex fractures (61.5%, 24/39). Intralesional procedures were performed more often in patients with simple fractures (56.0%, 51/91). The difference showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The local recurrence rate was 17.6% (16/91) in the group with simple fractures, whereas it was 10.3% (4/39) in the complex fracture group, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). A total of 2.3% of patients (n = 3,3/130) developed a skip lesion. The complication rates were 4.6% (4/87) and 14.7% (5/34), respectively, in the two groups with simple or complex fractures, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). The mean MSTS and TESS scores with simple fractures were 26.6 (range, 13–30) and 84.1 (range, 29-100), respectively, whereas the mean scores in the group with complex fractures were 25.5 (range, 18–30) and 78.3 (range, 30-100), respectively, also showing a significant difference (p < 0.05).ConclusionOur classification of “simple fracture” and “complex fracture” could guide decisions regarding the best surgical method for lesions in patients who have giant cell tumour around the knee with different degrees of fracture.

Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate: Safe, Feasible and Effective Therapy for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Bolivia.

The standard of care for cutaneous leishmaniasis includes the intramuscular/intravenous administration of pentavalent antimonials that are toxic and poorly tolerated. Primary health care usually lacks trained health staff for the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis in Cochabamba Bolivia. Taking these aspects into account, a Bolivian consortium set out to explore the intralesional administration of meglumine antimoniate to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis during primary care under programmatic conditions. A four-step strategy consisting of clinical training for intralesional treatment and the promotion and periodic follow-up of health staff was carried out. The training process was applied in situ to personnel of nine primary health care centres. The intralesional treatment was applied five times every other day. Clinical follow-up after six-months of treatment showed a 77% healing proportion and 5% of therapeutic failure among 152 enrolled patients. The drug volume used in the intralesional procedure was on average 1.7 mL/ulcer treated. In conclusion, the strategy used was successful and effective, accomplishing a healing proportion similar to the long standardized treatment with a reduced time of administration, no severe side effects, and it is feasible to conduct by trained health staff. Our study supports the current PAHO/WHO recommendation for the intralesional administration of pentavalent antimonials for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Surgical challenges, novel techniques, and systemic treatment of giant cell tumour of bone of the distal radius : clinical outcomes and systematic review of the literature.

AimsGiant 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsRecurrence 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).ConclusionDistal 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.

Management of giant cell tumors of the distal radius: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The treatment of giant cell tumors (GCT) of the distal radius remains challenging, with no consensus on the optimal surgical management. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment with options including intralesional curettage and en-bloc resection with reconstruction. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of these two procedures. Using OVID-Medline and Embase databases, a systematic literature search was performed. Comparative studies, assessing intralesional curettage and en-bloc resection in patients with GCTs of the distal radius, were included. Data regarding rates of local recurrence, metastasis, overall complications, and functional outcomes, were collected and analyzed. The ROBINS-I tool was utilized for risk of bias appraisal within each study outcome. Thirteen studies (n = 373 patients) reporting on 191 intralesional curettage procedures and 182 en-bloc resections were included in the analysis. The average age of participants was 31.9 (SD ± 2.4) years and average follow-up was 7.1 (SD ± 3.6) years. Patients that underwent intralesional curettage were more likely to develop local recurrence (Risk Ratio (RR) 3.3, 95% CI, [2.1, 5.4], p < 0.00001) when compared to patients that underwent en-bloc resection. In Campanacci grade 3 lesions, the risk for local recurrence was 5.9 (95% CI, [2.2, 16.3], p = 0.0006) times higher in patients that received intralesional curettage. Patients that underwent intralesional curettage showed an 84% reduction in the relative risk of developing overall complications compared to en-bloc resection (95% CI, [0.1, 0.4], p < 0.00001), and a larger decrease in Visual Analog Scale and lower Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores (p < 0.00001). Risk ratio for developing a local recurrence, with PMMA versus bone graft following an intralesional procedure was not significant (RR 1.2, 95% CI, [0.6, 2.6], p = 0.62). In the surgical management of GCT of the distal radius, intralesional curettage increased local recurrence compared to en-bloc resection with reconstruction, particularly in grade 3 tumors. However, it led to significantly fewer operative complications, lower pain scores, and improved functional outcomes compared to en-bloc resection. Both treatment options remain relevant in the contemporary management of GCTs of the distal radius. Surgical decision making should include both patient and tumor factors when determining the optimal treatment strategy for these patients. LEVEL 3 EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of Level 3 studies.

Surgical treatment of low-grade chondrosarcoma involving the appendicular skeleton: long-term functional and oncological outcomes.

The traditional treatment for chondrosarcoma is wide local excision (WLE), as these tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. While achieving negative margins has traditionally been the goal of chondrosarcoma resection, multiple studies have demonstrated good short-term results after intralesional procedures for low-grade chondrosarcomas (LGCS) with curettage and adjuvant treatments (phenol application, cauterization or cryotherapy) followed by either cementation or bone grafting. Due to the rarity of this diagnosis and the recent application of this surgical treatment modality to chondrosarcoma, most of the information regarding treatment outcomes is retrospective, with short or intermediate-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term results of patients with LGCS of bone treated with intralesional curettage (IC) treatment versus WLE. This retrospective analysis aims to characterize the oncologic outcomes (local recurrence, metastases) and functional outcomes in these two treatment groups at a single institution. Using an institutional musculoskeletal oncologic database, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with LGCS of the appendicular skeleton that underwent surgical treatment between 1985 and 2007. Thirty-two patients (33 tumors) were identified with LGCS; 17 treated with IC and 15 with WLE. Seventeen patients (18 tumors) with a minimum clinical and radiologic follow-up of 10years were included. Nine patients were treated with IC (four with no adjuvant, three with additional phenol, one with liquid nitrogen and one with H2O2) with either bone graft or cement augmentation, and nine others were treated with WLE and reconstruction with intercalary/osteoarticular allograft or megaprosthesis. The mean age at surgery was 41years (range 14-66years) with no difference (p = 0.51) between treatment cohorts. There was a mean follow-up of 13.5years in the intralesional cohort (range 10-19years) and 15.9years in the WLE cohort (range 10-28years, p = 0.36). Tumor size varied significantly between groups and was larger in patients treated with WLE (8.2 ± 3.1cm versus 5.4 ± 1.2cm, at the greatest dimension, p = 0.021). There were two local recurrences (LR), one in the intralesional group and one in the wide local excision group, occurring at 3.5months and 2.9years, respectively, and both required revision. No further LR could be detected with long-term follow-up. The MSTS score at final follow-up was significantly higher for patients managed with intralesional procedures (28.7 ± 1.7 versus 25.7 ± 3.4, p = 0.033). There were less complications requiring reoperation in the intralesional group compared with the wide local excision group, although this difference was not found to be statistically significant (one versus four patients, respectively; p = 0.3). This series of low-grade chondrosarcoma, surgically treated with an intralesional procedures, with 10-year follow-up, demonstrates excellent local control (88.9%). Complications were infrequent and minor and MSTS functional scores were excellent. Wide resection of LGCS was associated with lower MSTS score and more complications. In our series, the LR in both groups were detected within the first 3.5years following the index procedure, and none were detected in the late surveillance period.

Total spondylectomy for Enneking stage III giant cell tumor of the mobile spine.

We reported the surgical outcomes of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) with intralesional T-saw transpedicular osteotomy in patients with Enneking stage III spinal giant cell tumors (GCTs). The medical records and imaging and pathological studies of 25 consecutive patients with Enneking stage III spinal GCTs undergoing surgery at our institution who were followed for at least 2years were retrospectively reviewed. Eight men and 17 women (mean age: 34.2years, range 16-51years, at the time of surgery) were included. Six patients underwent previous tumor excision at another hospital, and one patient had a history of denosumab treatment. The GCTs were at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels in three, nine, and 13 patients, respectively. TES was performed in 13 patients; 12 required intralesional pediculotomy. The remaining patients underwent total piecemeal spondylectomy with further intralesional tumor resection. During a mean follow-up of 99.2months (range 24-216), two patients who underwent total piecemeal spondylectomy had local tumor recurrence, but no patients who underwent TES with intralesional pediculotomy had recurrence. The 2- and 10-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients treated with total piecemeal spondylectomy were 91.7% and 78.6%, respectively, while those of patients treated with TES were both 100%. TES with intralesional pediculotomy had a good surgical outcome even in patients with Enneking stage III spinal GCT, suggesting that minimal intralesional procedures could radically cure spinal GCTs. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Does Denosumab Change the Giant Cell Tumor Treatment Strategy? Lessons Learned From Early Experience.

Although giant cell tumors (GCTs) are benign, their aggressiveness and tendency to recur locally challenge the orthopaedic surgeon's ability to perform joint-preserving intralesional surgery with an acceptably low risk of local recurrence. Denosumab has emerged as a possible medical treatment of GCT because it seems to halt the progression of GCT, alleviate pain, and increase perilesional bone formation, but its exact role has been questioned, and specifically its efficacy and associated complications are not well characterized. (1) Does denosumab reduce the risk of recurrence after resection or intralesional surgery? (2) What are the complications associated with the use of denosumab? Fifty-four patients with 30 primary and 25 recurrent tumors between November 2013 and July 2016 were treated with denosumab after a confirmed histopathologic diagnosis of GCT. Another 17 patients in the same period were treated without denosumab. During the study period, we encouraged the use of denosumab in all patients except those who refused, could not afford it, or where it was contraindicated (eg, in pregnancy). In all patients undergoing intralesional surgery, we arbitrarily planned six doses before surgery. Variations in total doses before surgery were dependent on patient-related factors; in some, we gave less doses because patients expressed the inability to afford any more doses, whereas in some patients, extra doses were added when the patient wished to delay surgery as well as the because of surgeon judgment wherein in some patients, we stopped before six doses when we thought adequate bone had formed for intralesional curettage. The mean number of doses was 6.8 per patient (median, 6; range, 3-17) preoperatively. The minimum followup was 12 months (median, 27 months; range, 12-42 months). Every patient showed improvement clinically in terms of pain and halting of tumor progression within three to four doses. This was seen radiologically as a sharply defined soft tissue mass as well as hazy ossification within the tumor. For a case-matched comparison study, we identified controls as 34 patients undergoing curettage from the retrospective analysis of 68 patients curetted without denosumab between February 2010 and July 2016 matched to 25 denosumab-treated patients in terms of site, size, Campanacci grade, and recurrent versus primary status, and with a minimum 2 years followup for the control group. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical study. Patients undergoing resection were planned for surgery after three doses of denosumab to allow the tumor to solidify and potentially decrease tumor spillage at the time of surgery. The resections could not be case-matched for comparison owing to the smaller numbers. We observed 14 recurrences out of the 37 curetted tumors (38%). In the case-matched analysis, 11 of 25 patients in the denosumab-treated curettage group had recurrences (44%) compared with seven of 34 (21%) in the nondenosumab-treated control group. The risk of denosumab-treated patients experiencing local recurrence as compared with the nondenosumab-treated patients was nonsignificant with a two-tailed p value of 0.085 (significance at p < 0.05) as derived from Fisher's exact test (odds ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-9.54). There was no recurrence in the resection group. Because we do not have a control group for resection, we are unable to comment on the importance of this finding. One major complication that we observed was a recurrence with malignant transformation in a patient with a proximal humeral GCT. We did not observe any other complications related to the denosumab therapy. Although we could not demonstrate a higher risk of local recurrence with preoperative denosumab for intralesional surgery in the dose and frequency we administered, we advise caution in its routine use for intralesional procedures because it may be important to curette up to margins on pretreatment imaging owing to the potential residual tumor within the denosumab-mediated thick bony shell, which may result in local recurrence. We believe that denosumab treatment before resection of a large tumor aids resection without tumor spillage, particularly where important structures like the neurovascular bundle are dissected away from the tumor margin, although we cannot confirm that it helps lower the incidence of recurrence. We are concerned regarding the malignancy-causing potential from our observation in one patient as well as reports of this by others and recommend judicious use of this drug in patients with GCT. Level III, therapeutic study.

En Bloc Resection Versus Intralesional Surgery in the Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine.

Multicenter, ambispective observational study. The aim of this study was to quantify local recurrence (LR) and mortality rates after surgical treatment of spinal giant cell tumor and to determine whether en bloc resection with wide/marginal margins is associated with improved prognosis compared to an intralesional procedure. Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the spine is a rare primary bone tumor known for its local aggressiveness. Optimal surgical treatment remains to be determined. The AOSpine Knowledge Forum Tumor developed a comprehensive multicenter database including demographics, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, mortality, and recurrence rate data for GCT of the spine. Patients were analyzed based on surgical margins, including Enneking appropriateness. Between 1991 and 2011, 82 patients underwent surgery for spinal GCT. According to the Enneking classification, 59 (74%) tumors were classified as S3-aggressive and 21 (26%) as S2-active. The surgical margins were wide/marginal in 27 (36%) patients and intralesional in 48 (64%) patients. Thirty-nine of 77 (51%) underwent Enneking appropriate (EA) treatment and 38 (49%) underwent Enneking inappropriate (EI) treatment. Eighteen (22%) patients experienced LR. LR occurred in 11 (29%) EI-treated patients and six (15%) EA-treated patients (P = 0.151). There was a significant difference between wide/marginal margins and intralesional margins for LR (P = 0.029). Seven (9%) patients died. LR is strongly associated with death (Relative Risk 8.9, P < 0.001). Six (16%) EI-treated patients and one (3%) EA-treated patients died (P = 0.056). With regards to surgical margins, all patients who died underwent intralesional resection (P = 0.096). En bloc resection with wide/marginal margins should be performed when technically feasible because it is associated with decreased LR. Intralesional resection is associated with increased LR, and mortality correlates with LR. 3.

Magnetic resonance feature of "paintbrush borders" sign as a novel way to predict recurrence of giant cell tumor of bone after curettage: a pilot study.

ObjectiveTo identify the prognostic factors for local recurrence of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) through assessment of the preoperative imaging features of the tumor border.MethodsPatients with GCTBs treated with intralesional procedures in the proximal tibia and distal femur were prospectively enrolled and then followed up for at least 2 years. The GCTBs were grouped according to their preoperative imaging features. GCTBs treated with en bloc resection were enrolled for investigation of the pathologic basis of specific imaging features. Differences between rates were evaluated by the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test; independent factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsFifty-three patients were enrolled and successfully followed up. Relapse occurred in 22 patients. Patients with a “paintbrush borders” sign (n = 21) had a significantly higher rate of local recurrence (71.43%) than patients without this sign (21.88%). The “paintbrush borders” sign was identified as an independent prognostic factor for local recurrence. Other imaging features were not significantly associated with recurrence. The “paintbrush borders” sign showed a correlation with local invasion of bone.ConclusionThe “paintbrush borders” sign on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is an independent prognostic factor for local recurrence of GCTB.

Unplanned Resection of Sarcoma.

Unplanned resection is a common problem in the management of sarcoma. Because sarcomas are so rare, they may be misdiagnosed initially as more common benign lesions. When the treating surgeon is unaware of or does not adhere to proper surgical principles of orthopaedic oncology, an intralesional procedure may be performed without the requisite preoperative imaging, staging, or wide resection margins for optimal management of sarcoma. Studies show that oncologic outcomes after unplanned resections are mixed; however, surgical outcomes drastically deteriorate. Failure to adhere to oncologic principles accounts for increased morbidity and amputation rates with re-resection. No diagnostic modality has been proven to accurately predict residual disease in the resection bed following unplanned resection. Thus, repeat surgery with or without adjuvant treatment is usually offered to these patients, thereby adding considerable cost and morbidity. Medical malpractice litigation associated with unplanned sarcoma resection is common, with delayed diagnosis and unnecessary amputation most often cited in cases decided in favor of the plaintiff.

Intralesional Versus Wide Resection of Low-Grade Chondrosarcomas of the Hand

To report our experience with intralesional curettage (resection with positive margins) and amputation (resection with negative margins) of low-grade chondrosarcomas (LCS) of the hand. Skeletally mature patients treated surgically for LCS of the hand at our institutions were reviewed. Demographics and oncological history were collected. Results of the entire cohort and by treatment modality were analyzed radiographically, functionally (strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand measure), cosmetically, and oncologically (recurrence, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, metastasis, and mortality rates). Seventeen cases in 16 patients were identified. Nine patients were women. Average age at surgery was 43 years (range, 20-80 years). Mean follow-up was 18 years (range, 9-23 years). Six of the 17 lesions treated at different institutions with intralesional procedures presented as recurrent disease. We treated 3 with a repeat intralesional procedure and the remaining with wide resection. Recurrence incidence was the same in both groups. The remaining 11 new-onset cases were treated with intralesional procedures (6) or wide resections (5). One of the 6 tumors treated with an intralesional procedure recurred. None treated with wide resection recurred. Recurrence incidence combining new- onset and recurrent disease after intralesional procedures was 22% versus 13% for wide resections. Average grip strength was 37 kg (range, 21-55 kg), and pinch strength was 7.6 kg (range, 4.5-12.5 kg). Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 2 (range, 0-10). There were no wound complications, and appearance was satisfactory in most cases (visual analog scale score, > 8). Average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 29 points (range, 21-30 points). No patients presented with metastatic disease or died because of LCS. Intralesional resections aiming to preserve function are safe, recognizing that more than 1 procedure may be required. Amputation also plays a role with excellent functional outcome in cases in which severe joint deformity or involvement of soft tissues and neurovascular structures interferes with function. Therapeutic IV.

Prospective Outcome Study of Proton Therapy for Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Spine

Prospective Outcome Study of Proton Therapy for Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Spine

High-dose proton-based radiation therapy in the management of spine chordomas: outcomes and clinicopathological prognostic factors.

Spinal chordomas can have high local recurrence rates after surgery with or without conventional dose radiation therapy (RT). Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors after high-dose proton-based RT with or without surgery were assessed. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 126 treated patients (127 lesions) categorized according to disease status (primary vs recurrent), resection (en bloc vs intralesional), margin status, and RT timing. Seventy-one sacrococcygeal, 40 lumbar, and 16 thoracic chordomas were analyzed. Mean RT dose was 72.4 GyRBE (relative biological effectiveness). With median follow-up of 41 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS), local control (LC), locoregional control (LRC), and distant control (DC) for the entire cohort were 81%, 62%, 60%, and 77%, respectively. LC for primary chordoma was 68% versus 49% for recurrent lesions (p = 0.058). LC if treated with a component of preoperative RT was 72% versus 54% without this treatment (p = 0.113). Among primary tumors, LC and LRC were higher with preoperative RT, 85% (p = 0.019) and 79% (0.034), respectively, versus 56% and 56% if no preoperative RT was provided. Overall LC was significantly improved with en bloc versus intralesional resection (72% vs 55%, p = 0.016), as was LRC (70% vs 53%, p = 0.035). A trend was noted toward improved LC and LRC for R0/R1 margins and the absence of intralesional procedures. High-dose proton-based RT in the management of spinal chordomas can be effective treatment. In patients undergoing surgery, those with primary chordomas undergoing preoperative RT, en bloc resection, and postoperative RT boost have the highest rate of local tumor control; among 28 patients with primary chordomas who underwent preoperative RT and en bloc resection, no local recurrences were seen. Intralesional and incomplete resections are associated with higher local failure rates and are to be avoided.

Risk Factors for Local Recurrence after Surgical Resection of Spine Schwannomas: Retrospective Analysis of 169 Patients from a Multicenter International Database

Introduction Schwannomas are benign neurogenic tumors, with a reported annual incidence between 0.3 and 0.5 per 100,000 people, mainly in their 4th and 5th decades, with no gender preference. Together with neurofibromas, they account for up to 30% of all intraspinal tumors. They usually present as a solitary slow-growing oval, lobulated and encapsulated mass, arising eccentrically from the nerve root sheath. Symptoms and signs are related to root and/or cord compression and may slowly progress with tumor growth. Total resection is the gold standard for patients with initial sensory or motor deficits. Local recurrence is reported to be around 5% and it usually occurs several years after the surgery. The objective of this study was to analyze a multicenter database of patients operated for spine schwannomas to identify risk factors for local recurrence. Patients and Methods Retrospective analysis of 169 patients (age &gt; 18 years) from the AOSpine Multicenter Primary Spinal Tumors Database, who underwent surgery for a spine schwannoma (48% female, mean age at diagnosis 46.6 ± 15.31 years, mean follow-up 50.68 ± 39.23 months). Rates of tumor recurrence and time to recurrence were quantified. The predictive value of various clinical factors, including age, gender, tumor size, affected spinal segments, type of surgery, and extent of disease as defined by the Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini (WBB) classification system, was assessed. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis was performed. Results The mean number of affected levels per patient was 1.85 ± 0.86 and 82.84% of them were located in the mobile spine (41.42% between L1 and L5). According to the WBB classification, 47.12% of the tumors had an intradural extension, while 31.73% were both intra- and extradural and the mean number of affected sectors was 4.49 ± 3.61. Regarding the surgery, 69.75% of the patients had an en bloc resection, mainly via a posterior approach (74.84%). Nine patients experienced local recurrence (5.3%) at a time range of 81 to 1,518 days after the surgery. These patients were on average younger (39.33 ± 15.58 vs. 47.01 ± 15.29), although this relationship did not reach significance (HR = 0.97, p = 0.16). Overall, 13, 10, and 7% of patients with cervical, sacral, and lumbar disease respectively, experienced tumor recurrence compared with 0% of thoracic patients ( p = 0.18). The location of the tumor ( p = 0.25), whether epidural, intradural or both, and the number of WBB sectors involved (HR = 1.03, p = 0.79) were not significantly related to recurrence. The actual size of the tumor was significantly larger in patients with recurrence (6.97 ± 4.66 vs. 3.81 ± 3.34) (HR = 1.16, p = 0.028), with the extent in the cranial-caudal direction posing the greatest hazard (HR = 1.324, p = 0.0018). With respect to surgical technique, patients receiving a complete resection (3.6%) had a significantly lower risk of recurrence than those treated with an intralesional subtotal procedure (13.9%, p = 0.047). Conclusion Local recurrence after schwannoma resection appears to be determined mainly by the size of the tumor and the extent of the surgical resection.

Clinical outcome of low-grade central osteosarcoma and role of CDK4 and MDM2 immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic adjunct.

Low-grade osteosarcoma encompasses parosteal osteosarcoma (POS) and low-grade central osteosarcoma (LCOS), with LCOS more rare than POS. LCOS is also more likely to be misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated with an intralesional procedure, due to its misleading radiological features and the overlap of its pathological characteristics with those of benign bone tumors. Therefore, as a diagnostic adjunct for LCOS, immunohistochemical assay with murine double-minute type 2 (MDM2) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) have been tried with controversial results. We investigated (1) the clinical course and surgical outcome of LCOS, and (2) the diagnostic role of immune-histochemical markers (CDK4, MDM2) and their correlation with clinico-radiologic findings. We retrospectively reviewed 16 LCOS patients with regard to age, gender, tumor location, plain radiographic pattern, tumor volume, extraosseous extension, initial diagnosis, initial treatment, definitive diagnosis, definitive treatment, surgical margins, histochemical markers, and oncological outcome. Final survival status was continuous disease-free in 14, alive with disease in 1, and remaining 1 patient died of other cancer. Except for 1 patient who had not undergone excision of their primary lesion, no patients developed a local recurrence. Eight tumors (50%) showed diffuse immunostaining for CDK4. Three of 8 tumors labeled for CDK4 were also positive for MDM2. Six (75%) of 8 CDK4-positive tumors displayed lytic lesions on a plain radiograph; in contrast, 2 (33%) of 6 tumors showing a sclerotic pattern on a plain radiograph were positive for CDK4. The diagnosis of LCOS is challenging; however, if it is properly diagnosed, there is a high chance of a cure with wide excision alone. Positive immunostaining for CDK4 or MDM2 may be used as a diagnostic adjunct, although negative immunostaining cannot rule out this tumor. The clinical, radiological, and typical pathological findings are vital in raising the suspicion of this rare tumor.

Is intralesional treatment of giant cell tumor of the distal radius comparable to resection with respect to local control and functional outcome?

A giant cell tumor is a benign locally aggressive tumor commonly seen in the distal radius with reported recurrence rates higher than tumors at other sites. The dilemma for the treating surgeon is deciding whether intralesional treatment is adequate compared with resection of the primary tumor for oncologic and functional outcomes. More information would be helpful to guide shared decision-making. We asked: (1) How will validated functional scores, ROM, and strength differ between resection versus intralesional excision for a giant cell tumor of the distal radius? (2) How will recurrence rate and reoperation differ between these types of treatments? (3) What are the complications resulting in reoperation after intralesional excision and resection procedures? (4) Is there a difference in functional outcome in treating a primary versus recurrent giant cell tumor with a resection arthrodesis? Between 1985 and 2008, 39 patients (39 wrists) were treated for primary giant cell tumor of the distal radius at two academic centers. Twenty patients underwent primary intralesional excision, typically in cases where bony architecture and cortical thickness were preserved, 15 underwent resection with radiocarpal arthrodesis, and four had resection with osteoarticular allograft. Resection regardless of reconstruction type was favored in cases with marked cortical expansion. A specific evaluation for purposes of the study with radiographs, ROM, grip strength, and pain and functional scores was performed at a minimum of 1 year for 21 patients (54%) and an additional 11 patients (28%) were available only by phone. We also assessed reoperations for recurrence and other complications via chart review. With the numbers available, there were no differences in pain or functional scores or grip strength between groups; however, there was greater supination in the intralesional excision group (p=0.037). Tumors recurred in six of 17 wrists after intralesional excision and none of the 15 after en bloc resection (p=0.030). There was no relationship between tumor grade and recurrence. There were 12 reoperations in eight of 17 patients in the intralesional excision group but only one of 11 patients (p=0.049) who underwent resection arthrodesis with distal radius allograft had a reoperation. There were no differences in functional scores whether resection arthrodesis was performed as the primary procedure or to treat recurrence after intralesional excision. Resection for giant cell tumor of the distal radius with distal radius allograft arthrodesis showed a lower recurrence rate, lower reoperation rate, and no apparent differences in functional outcome compared with joint salvage with intralesional excision. Because an arthrodesis for recurrence after intralesional procedures seems to function well, we believe that intralesional excision is reasonable to consider for initial treatment, but the patient should be informed about the relative benefits and risks of both options during the shared decision-making process. Because arthrodesis after recurrence functions similar to the initial resection and arthrodesis, an initial treatment with curettage remains a viable, and likely the standard, mode of treatment for most giant cell tumors of the distal radius unless there is extensive bone loss. Level III, therapeutic study.