Bone Tumours Research Articles

Primary malignant bone and soft-tissue tumours of the spine and appendicular sacrum.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the oncological and neurological outcome of patients undergoing interdisciplinary treatment for primary malignant bone and soft-tissue tumours of the spine within the last seven decades, and changes over time. We retrospectively analyzed our single-centre experience of prospectively collected data by querying our tumour registry (Medical University of Vienna). Therapeutic, pathological, and demographic variables were examined. Descriptive data are reported for the entire cohort. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were applied to evaluate survival rates and the influence of potential risk factors. A total of 119 consecutive patients (mean age 38 years (SD 37; 1 to 83), mean follow-up 66 months (SD 26; 0 to 505) were investigated. Histological entities included Ewing's sarcoma (EWS; 33), chondrosarcoma (CSA; 20), osteosarcoma (OSA; 22), and soft-tissue sarcoma (STS; 44). Surgery was performed in 88 patients (74%). Neurological parameters improved in 18 patients (20%) after surgery. Overall, 32 patients (36%) suffered from surgical complications requiring revision. The median survival was 42 months (IQR 10 to 204). The one-, five-, and ten-year survival rates were 73%, 47%, and 39%, respectively. Corresponding five-year survival rates for EWS, CSA, OSA, and STS were 63%, 61%, 40%, and 32%, respectively. The decade of diagnosis, histological entity, surgical intervention, resection margin, and the presence of metastases had significant influence on survival. (Neo-)adjuvant therapies alone had no significant influence on overall survival. Our study clearly demonstrates the positive impact of improved surgical techniques, as well as refined imaging methods and evolved adjuvant therapy options, on survival rate in all tumour entities. However, despite a multimodal treatment plan, the long-term mortality of these tumours remains high.

Two-stage revision for infection of oncological megaprostheses : a multicentre EMSOS study.

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of reinfection in patients after two-stage revision of an infected megaprosthesis (MPR) implanted after resection of a bone tumour. A retrospective study was carried out of 186 patients from 16 bone sarcoma centres treated between January 2010 and December 2020. The median age at the time of tumour diagnosis was 26 years (IQR 17 to 33); 69 (37.1%) patients were female, and 117 (62.9%) were male. A total of 186 patients with chronic MPR infections were included. Median follow-up was 68 months (IQR 31 to 105). The most represented sites of MPR were distal femur in 93 cases (50.0%) and proximal tibia in 53 cases (28.5%). Polymicrobial infections were seen in 34 cases (18.3%). The most frequent isolated pathogens were staphylococci. Difficult-to-treat (DTT) pathogens were isolated in 50 cases (26.9%). The estimated infection recurrence (IR) rate was 39.1% at five years and 50.0% at ten years. A higher IR rate was found in DTT PJI compared to non-DTT infections (p = 0.019). Polymicrobial infections also showed a higher rate of infection recurrence (p = 0.046). This study suggests that an infected MPR treated by two-stage revision and ultimately reimplantation with a MPR can be successful, but the surgeon must be aware of a high recurrence rate compared to those seen with infected conventional implants.

Revolutionising Osseous Biopsy: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Era of Personalised Medicine.

In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming diagnostic techniques and personalised medicine. This is also seen in osseous biopsies. AI applications in radiomics, histopathology, predictive modelling, biopsy navigation, and interdisciplinary communication are reshaping how bone biopsies are conducted and interpreted. We provide a brief review of AI in image- guided biopsy of bone tumours (primary and secondary) and specimen handling, in the era of personalised medicine. This paper explores AI's role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving safety in biopsies, and enabling more precise targeting in bone lesion biopsies, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes in personalised medicine. We dive into various AI technologies applied to osseous biopsies, such as traditional machine learning, deep learning, radiomics, simulation and generative models. We explore their roles in tumour board meetings, communication between clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists. Additionally, we inspect ethical considerations associated with the integration of AI in bone biopsy procedures, technical limitations, and we delve into health equity, generalisability, deployment issues, and reimbursement challenges in AI-powered healthcare. Finally, we explore potential future developments and offer a list of open-source AI tools and algorithms relevant to bone biopsies, which we include to encourage further discussion and research.

Analysis and Historical Evolution of Paediatric Bone Tumours: The Importance of Early Diagnosis in the Detection of Childhood Skeletal Malignancies

Even though children’s malignant bone tumours are rare, it is crucial to understand how to identify and stage them accurately to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma are the two main paediatric bone malignancies and require multidisciplinary treatment involving radiologists, orthopaedists, oncologists, pathologists, and paediatricians. These neoplasms may be associated with genetic syndromes but typically occur in patients with no known germline abnormalities. With a frequency of 4.4 per million, osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumour in children. Ewing’s sarcoma has an incidence of 2.5 to 3 per million, making it the second most prevalent. Clinically, these neoplasms present with pain and inflammation in the bones and joints, nocturnal pain unresponsive to drug therapy, systemic symptoms such as fever or weight loss, and persistent symptoms—all of which should prompt clinicians to initiate further diagnostic investigations. The gold standard for diagnosis includes X-ray examination and MRI, which provide an accurate assessment of tumour extension into the medullary canal and surrounding soft tissues. Fluorine-18-labelled FDG-PET scans or fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography are valuable for evaluating tumour aggressiveness and excluding metastases. A biopsy is mandatory once all other diagnostic tests have been completed. Accurate diagnosis and timely referral to an experienced clinic are essential for ensuring prompt access to treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Management and outcomes of thoracic sarcomas - a collaboration between Orthopaedic Oncology and cardiothoracic surgery: seven-year clinical data from a tertiary referral centre

IntroductionSarcomas are rare cancers originating from mesenchymal tissues, manifesting in diverse anatomical locations, but notably in connective tissue, muscles and the skeleton. Thoracic sarcomas present a unique diagnostic and surgical challenge attributable to their rarity and pathoanatomy. Standard practice currently comprises wide surgical excision, often accompanied by adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. This approach necessitates a multidisciplinary team, ideally in specialised cancer centres. The Oxford Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service is one such centre, and routinely treats such cancers through collaboration between orthopaedic oncology and cardiothoracic surgeons, as well as members of the wider MDT. This study reports the current management and outcomes of primary thoracic sarcoma patients at the Oxford Sarcoma Service over a seven-year period.ObjectivesGiven the rarity of thoracic sarcomas, and their associated diagnostic and management complexities, our aim is to report on the treatment strategies and outcomes of primary thoracic sarcoma patients treated at the Oxford Sarcoma Service from 2017 to 2023.MethodsData pertaining to all thoracic sarcoma cases discussed in multidisciplinary meetings at the Oxford tertiary centre from 2017 to 2023 were retrieved from the local electronic database. These were analysed using appropriate statistical tests to determine significance of the various observations made.ResultsOf 113 identified cases, chondrosarcoma emerged as the most prevalent histological subtype among 22 distinct varieties. 58% of cases exhibited high-grade features. 32 sarcoma-related deaths occurred, with a mean time from diagnosis to death of 23.16 months. A notable association was observed between high-grade sarcomas and mortality (p = 0.0280). Surgical resection was performed in 77 cases, with 49% of these undergoing surgical resection alone i.e. the patient received no radio- or chemotherapy. Both surgical intervention (p < 0.0001) and clear margins (p = 0.0051) were significantly linked to improved survival. Local recurrence was noted in 28.6% of the 77 surgical cases, and predominantly in the high-grade sarcomas (81.8%). However, no statistical association was found between recurrence and margin status in our data.ConclusionOur results indicate that primary resection remains the cornerstone of thoracic sarcoma treatment, representing the single strongest independent factor for survival in treatable cases. Variability in outcomes and overall survival likely stems from factors such as histological diversity, predominance of high-grade sarcomas, and wide age range at diagnosis. Ongoing prospective database update and collaborative efforts across centres would further clarify prognoses and recommendations for specific tumours, based on observational data.

A detoxified TLR4 agonist inhibits tumour growth and lung metastasis of osteosarcoma by promoting CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration

BackgroundOsteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumour with limited treatment options and poor outcomes in advanced metastatic cases. Current immunotherapies show limited efficacy, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Systemic immune activation by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) immunostimulants has shown great promise; however, current TLR4 agonists’ toxicity hinders this systemic approach in patients with osteosarcoma.MethodsWe compared the antitumour effect of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with that of an innovative chemically detoxified TLR4 agonist (Lipo-MP-LPS) in a syngeneic metastatic osteosarcoma mouse model. Lipo-MP-LPS exhibited an optimal safety and solubility profile for systemic administration at an effective dose. We evaluated tumour growth, lung metastases, and immune cell infiltration in wild-type and TLR4-mutant mice and performed selective immunodepletion.ResultsLipo-MP-LPS exhibited antitumour effects against localised osteosarcoma tumours and lung metastases, like those of natural LPS. Lipo-MP-LPS promoted CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages infiltration in primary tumours and CD8+ T cells in metastases, with an M1-phenotype macrophage shift. The Lipo-MP-LPS antitumour effects were found to depend on TLR4 and CD8+ T cells, but not on macrophages.ConclusionLipo-MP-LPS inhibited tumour growth and lung metastasis of osteosarcoma by promoting CD8 + T cell infiltration, indicating its therapeutic potential for advanced osteosarcoma.

Functional outcomes of internal hemipelvectomy in paediatric patients with malignant bone tumours: a monocentric case series

A case series was conducted between January 2010 and January 2018, which included 17 paediatric patients under the age of 18 years (mean age 13.4 ±3.53), who underwent internal hemipelvectomy. Functional outcomes were assessed based on gait and categorised as either normal or abnormal. The most common diagnosis was Ewings Sarcoma in 14 patients (82.3%). With regards to reconstruction, acetabular reconstruction was necessary in 1 patient (5.9%), and soft tissue coverage with flaps was required in 5 cases (29.4%). Nerve injury was the most common complication noted, i.e. in 5 cases (29.4%). The disease-free survival rate was 12 patients (70.6%) at a median time of 72 months, while the overall mortality rate was 5 patients (29.4%) with metastatic disease being the leading cause. Hence, it was concluded that internal hemipelvectomy is a viable surgical option in the paediatric population particularly when negative margins can be achieved without compromising the neurovascular structures. Keywords: Tumour, Paediatric, Internal hemipelvectomy.

Altered retinal vasculature in childhood cancer survivors: Data from the German CVSS-study.

Childhood cancer is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in later life. Retinal examination allows to non-invasively observe the vasculature of an end-organ. We observe alterations in long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS). In the Cardiac and Vascular Late Sequelae in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer-Study, 1002 CCS (23-48 years) having neoplasia prior to 15 years of age were prospectively enrolled in a general and ophthalmologic examination including fundus photography. Central retinal vessel equivalents (arterial: CRAE; venous CRVE) were measured and linear regression analysis was computed to compare CCS to controls from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) with adjustment for potential cardiovascular and ophthalmological confounders. Differences in cancer types and treatments were explored. For 837 CCS (45.3% female), CRAE and CRVE were conducted. Both were smaller in CCS previously having leukaemia, central nervous system tumour, neuroblastoma, renal tumour, malignant bone tumour, soft tissue sarcoma and germ cell tumour than in GHS controls. No difference was found for CCS with prior lymphoma. Previous radiotherapy of head or neck was associated with a smaller CRVE. Higher mean arterial blood pressure and intake of antihypertensive medication were associated with smaller CRAE. Retinal vasculature is altered in CCS leading to smaller retinal arteries and veins. Our finding indicates that childhood cancer and its treatment leads to systemic alterations of the microcirculation on both branches of the vasculature system. While the retinal venous vasculature is altered by radiotherapy, the lower vessel width of the arterial branch is associated with arterial hypertension.

Canadian Association of Radiologists Cancer Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guideline.

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Cancer Expert Panel is made up of physicians from the disciplines of radiology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, family medicine/general practitioner oncology, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. The Expert Panel developed a list of 29 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, of which 16 pointed to other CAR guidelines. A rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of the remaining 13 scenarios. Recommendations from 21 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop the recommendation for these scenarios. During recommendation formulation, one additional scenario was mapped to an existing CAR guideline scenario, leaving 12 scenarios with new recommendations. The guideline focuses on cancer diagnosis and does not cover cancer staging, follow-up, and surveillance. This guideline presents the methods of development and the referral recommendations for suspected pancreatic cancer, suspected liver cancer, incidental liver mass, incidental colon mass or suspected colon cancer, suspected anal cancer, suspected penile cancer, suspected cervical cancer, suspected endometrial/uterine cancer, suspected vulvar cancer, suspected vaginal cancer, suspected haematologic malignancies, and suspected skin cancer. The guideline also points to other CAR guidelines for suspected neck, thyroid, brain, lung, intracardiac/pericardial, esophageal/gastric, renal, adrenal, bladder, testicular, prostate and ovarian cancers, suspected soft tissue mass or tumour, suspected bone tumour, suspected bone tumour --myeloma, suspected spine tumours, and incidental lung cancer.

Bone lesion cryotherapy: pictorial review and review of current evidence.

Over the last two decades the development of small probes has enabled percutaneous use of cryotherapy. Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation, enables the treatment of much larger lesions than other thermal ablation techniques, particularly when using multiple evenly spaced probes. Using rapid cooling to as low as -200 degrees Celsius (at the tip of the probe), reliable, and predictable necrosis can be induced. Probes are usually percutaneously inserted under computed tomography (CT) guidance under sedation or general anaesthesia, often as a day case. The procedure is safe with severe complications occurring rarely; the commonest complication is neural injury in lesions closely related to neurovascular bundles. Cryotherapy has been applied to the symptomatic and occasionally curative treatment of bone metastases and a range of primary bone lesions. This review summarises the published evidence base for the use of cryotherapy in metastatic and primary bone lesions and describes the experience with cryotherapy at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, a quaternary bone tumour referral hospital, where cryotherapy has been used for 3 years.

Cuproptosis related lncRNA signature as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in osteosarcoma immunity

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant bone tumours in children. In this study, we aimed to construct a cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature to predict the prognosis and immune landscape of osteosarcoma patients. Databases from TARGET were used to acquire osteosarcoma patient datasets, which included clinical information and RNA sequencing data. Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs was obtained by correlation analysis. Through univariate Cox regression analysis, prognosis-related lncRNAs were obtained. We used nonnegative matrix factorization clustering to identify potential molecular subgroups with different cuproptosis-related lncRNA expression patterns. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct the prognostic signature. The ESTIMATE algorithm, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms in the immune landscape of osteosarcoma. We used gene set enrichment analysis to compare the different enrichments in the high-risk group and the low-risk group. Furthermore, we predicted the response to targeted drugs in patients with different risk groups. Using multivariable analysis, we developed a risk scoring model based on 7 long noncoding RNAs and calculated two molecular subgroups from osteosarcoma patients from the database. There is a better immune microenvironment in the low-risk group compared to the high-risk group. At the same time, the gene functional enrichment analysis based on the differently expressed genes obtained by grouping showed they were mainly related to immunity, indicating that cuproptosis-related lncRNAs may affect the prognosis of osteosarcoma by regulating immunity. Moreover, these patients in high-risk group were more susceptible to targeted drugs than the low-risk group. We identified a cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signature for osteosarcoma and showed a close connection in terms of immunity. Moreover, we provided some potential targeted drugs for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Real Time 3D O-Arm Based Extremity Bone Tumour Surgery.

Real Time 3D O-Arm Based Extremity Bone Tumour Surgery.

A case report of desmoplastic fibroma in a three-year-old black African girl

Background: Desmoplastic fibroma is a very rare bone tumour that is commonly recognised by its striking resemblance to desmoid fibromatosis, commonly seen in soft tissues. Case Presentation: A 3-year-old girl presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department with swelling on the lower jaw for 4 months duration. Extra-oral examination revealed: Facial asymmetry due to the discrete swelling on the right mandible measuring 14 x 12cm in widest diameter below the right pre-auricular region to the right mental region. The Craniofacial CT scan showed an expansile jaw mass with destruction of the mandible. There was no evidence of bone formation. Histopathology diagnosis was desmoplastic fibroma of the bone. The tumour cells were weakly positive for MyoD1. Conclusion: Pathologists must know that cells of desmoplastic fibroma may sometimes be weakly positive for MyoD1, as in rhabdomyosarcoma.

A case report on a rare primary bone tumour: sacral chordoma presenting as sacral swelling with sphincter dysfunction

Chordoma is a rare, locally aggressive malignant tumour arising from remnants of the notochord, primarily affecting the axial skeleton, seen twice often in males above 40 years. This case report presents a 50-year-old male with primary sacral chordoma, emphasizing the need for early evaluation, treatment modalities and focusing on the importance of sacral nerve preservation during surgery for better functional outcome. Purpose of the study was to demonstrate the significance of early evaluation and diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of at least unilateral sacral nerve root preservation for optimizing postoperative bowel and bladder function. A 50-year-old male presented with sacral swelling, saddle anaesthesia, lower backache, urinary incontinence, and constipation. Examination revealed a firm, immobile sacral mass with reduced anal sphincter tone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested the presence of a sacral chordoma, leading to the planning of surgical resection. Intraoperatively, frozen section analysis confirmed the diagnosis of chordoma. Intraoperatively, the lesion was found to extend predominantly toward the left side, necessitating careful dissection and preservation of the sacral nerve roots on the right side. Post-operatively, the patient experienced improved bowel and bladder function, along with significant pain relief. The patient showed substantial postoperative improvement, with resolution of urinary and bowel dysfunction. Follow-up imaging revealed no tumour recurrence. Preservation of sacral nerve roots was crucial to the patient’s recovery, improving overall quality of life. This case highlights the need to consider chordoma in the differential diagnosis of sacral masses and emphasizes the importance of sacral nerve root preservation during resection to optimize functional outcomes in patients with this rare tumour.

The knowledge and skills required for the onco-rheumatologist: Study of four-year consultation records of a high-volume cancer centre.

Onco-rheumatology, the intersection of oncology and rheumatology, is an emerging field requiring further definition. This study aimed to identify the knowledge and skills essential for rheumatologists in clinical oncology. We retrospectively reviewed consultations with the onco-rheumatology department of a high-volume tertiary cancer centre in Japan from January 2020 to December 2023. We analysed 417 consultations. The most common consultation (229, 55%) was related to immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Of the 238 irAEs in 185 patients, 15% were rheumatic and 85% were non-rheumatic (e.g., hepatobiliary toxicities, colitis). Approximately 25% of non-endocrine irAEs were refractory/relapsing, requiring second-line therapy (e.g., mycophenolate mofetil, biologics, immunoglobulin). In addition to irAE consultations, 137 (33%) consultations were about possible rheumatic diseases. The final diagnosis often related to cancer treatment, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-related aortitis (15 patients, 11%), olaparib-related erythema nodosum (10 patients, 7.3%), and surgical menopause-related arthralgia (10 patients, 7.3%). Five patients (3.6%) were diagnosed with autoinflammatory bone disease mimicking bone tumours. Onco-rheumatologists are expected to play a central role in the management of a wide range of irAEs, not limited to rheumatic irAEs. They must also manage rheumatologic manifestations during cancer treatment and rheumatic diseases that mimic tumours.

A rare case of complex odontoma in the maxilla

According to the current World HealthOrganization classification of odontogenic andmaxillofacial bone tumours from 2017, odontomasbelong to benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymalodontogenic tumours. The main clinical symptom ofan odontoma is improper eruption of secondarydentition. Their presence may cause lesions in thestructure of the dental alveolar process. The study describes a case of the complex odontomaassociated with the impaction of a permanent toothfound in an orthodontically treated 17-year-old boy.The patient underwent enucleation of the lesion, andthere was no recurrence during the follow-up period.

Soft tissue myoepithelioma arising over the scalp: Rare case report

Myoepithelioma is a well-known tumour in the salivary glands and breasts in adults. It is exceptionally rare in soft tissue and in children.Myoepithelial tumours of soft tissue are categorised as tumours of uncertain differentiation (WHO Classification of Tumours 5ed-Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours). They are a group of uncommon neoplasms with equal sex predilection and a wide age range (median age:40years). These tumours show extensive spectrum of cytological, architectural, and heterogenous immunophenotypic profile. This case report presents a 36-year-old male who visited surgery OPD with complaints of a gradually increasing painless swelling over the scalp for 5 years. Clinical examination showed a well demarcated, irregular, soft to firm, non-compressible and non-reducible swelling over left side of scalp measuring 11x3cm. No signs of inflammation/pulsations/punctum over the swelling. Skin over the swelling appeared normal. Pre operative diagnosis of venous malformation or sebaceous cyst was made. Radiological assessment was not done. Mass was excised keeping the capsule intact and the specimen was sent for histopathological assessment. Final diagnosis of Soft Tissue Myoepithelioma (Scalp) was made.Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse strong positivity for S-100 protein &amp; myogenic marker Calponin.Myoepithelial tumours of soft tissue arise on the limbs and limb girdles (75%; lower more frequently than upper); others arise on the trunk. They are rarely located over scalp (head &amp; neck region). Myoepitheliomas lack tubulo-ductal differentiation histologically. Because of the variable appearance of myoepithelial cells and their phenotype, the histopathological diagnosis is challenging. Most myoepithelial tumours are benign, show indolent behaviour, rarely metastasize; showing recurrence in 20% cases. Myoepithelial carcinomas recur and metastasize (40-50% of cases); with disease related death in 13-43% of patients.Therefore, prompt identification using histopathology and immunohistochemistry becomes necessary.

Exceptional Visual Improvement in Intracranial Osseous Metaplastic Meningioma: A Case of Stereotactic Radiotherapy Success

Background and Aims: Meningiomas have different subtypes, including the rare and indolent metaplastic meningioma, which are characterised by the presence of mesenchymal components. The histopathological features of osseous metaplastic meningiomas include the existence of bone tissue and tumour cells within areas devoid of psammoma bodies. These tumours can have devastating symptoms affecting the quality of life of the patient severely. Tumours in proximity to critical structures pose a unique challenge in management, making it essential to address these issues for effective local control and symptom relief. Materials and Methods: Here we present a rare case report of a gentleman diagnosed to have intracranial osseous metaplastic meningioma who experienced severe visual deficits, for whom postoperative radiotherapy was administered and excellent outcome was achieved. Results: At a 12-month follow-up, patient had dramatic improvement in vision. Discussion: Stereotactic radiotherapy is a safe and effective method for achieving excellent local control, improving symptoms and enhancing quality of life of the patient. The proximity of critical structures and their dose tolerances should be key considerations while deciding on the fractionation scheme.

Application of loaded graphene oxide biomaterials in the repair and treatment of bone defects.

Addressing bone defects is a complex medical challenge that involves dealing with various skeletal conditions, including fractures, osteoporosis (OP), bone tumours, and bone infection defects. Despite the availability of multiple conventional treatments for these skeletal conditions, numerous limitations and unresolved issues persist. As a solution, advancements in biomedical materials have recently resulted in novel therapeutic concepts. As an emerging biomaterial for bone defect treatment, graphene oxide (GO) in particular has gained substantial attention from researchers due to its potential applications and prospects. In other words, GO scaffolds have demonstrated remarkable potential for bone defect treatment. Furthermore, GO-loaded biomaterials can promote osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation while stimulating bone matrix deposition and formation. Given their favourable biocompatibility and osteoinductive capabilities, these materials offer a novel therapeutic avenue for bone tissue regeneration and repair. This comprehensive review systematically outlines GO scaffolds' diverse roles and potential applications in bone defect treatment.

Oncology

The December 2024 Oncology Roundup360 looks at: Non-reversed great saphenous vein grafts for vascular reconstruction after resection of lower limb sarcoma; Detrimental effects of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with limb bone sarcoma: reference centre experience; Whole-body staging guidelines in sarcoma; Intraoperative marrow margin frozen section in limb bone sarcoma resection; Vacuum-assisted closure and paediatric oncological limb salvage; Treatment differences and long-term outcomes in adults and children with Ewing’s sarcoma; Survival, complications, and functional outcomes of uncemented distal femoral endoprosthesis with short, curved stem for patients with bone tumours; Survival, complications, and functional outcomes of uncemented distal femoral endoprosthesis with short, curved stem for patients with bone tumours.