What the study found
The study found that preoperative denosumab (a bone-tumor drug) followed by curettage after surgical dislocation of the hip was associated with good outcomes in patients with giant cell tumor of bone in the femoral head and neck region. All treated patients kept their native hip joints, and no local recurrence or metastatic progression was seen at final follow-up.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that this approach successfully treated giant cell tumor of bone in a difficult hip location while preserving the native joint. They also report a favorable safety profile for denosumab as adjuvant therapy, with no drug-related complications observed.
What the researchers tested
This single-center retrospective study reviewed patients treated at one institution between 2016 and 2023. Fourteen eligible patients with giant cell tumor of bone in the femoral head and neck received three cycles of preoperative denosumab, then underwent surgical dislocation of the hip combined with curettage, with follow-up imaging and functional scoring.
What worked and what didn't
All 14 patients completed denosumab and surgery successfully, with follow-up lasting 24 to 50 months. Imaging showed shrinkage of residual cavities, blurred boundaries, progressive bone sclerosis, and trabecular bone regeneration at the surgical site; MSTS and Harris Hip Score values improved significantly, and all patients reached excellent functional status. No postoperative complications, local recurrences, or metastatic progression were reported.
What to keep in mind
The study was retrospective, single-center, and included only 14 patients, so the findings are based on a small sample. The abstract does not describe a comparison group, so it cannot show how this approach performs against other treatments.
Key points
- Fourteen patients with giant cell tumor of bone in the femoral head and neck were included.
- All patients received three cycles of preoperative denosumab and then underwent hip dislocation with curettage.
- Functional scores improved significantly at 1 year after surgery.
- No postoperative complications, local recurrence, or metastatic progression were reported during follow-up.
- The authors report no denosumab-related complications.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Denosumab plus curettage preserved hips in femoral GCTB
- Authors:
- Jimo Li, Dongfeng Cai, Zhuobin Yang, Jing Zhang, Qi Lv, Wenfeng Jin, Lvlin Zhao, Song Hong
- Institutions:
- Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Peking University, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Medical University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with scholarly research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.