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Tag: Cancer Care

  • Denosumab plus curettage preserved hips in femoral GCTB

    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.

    • 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.

  • Peripheral craniofacial osteomas were most common in the frontal bone

    What the study found

    The study found that craniofacial osteomas are benign, slow-growing bony tumors that were most often located in the frontal bone and occurred more frequently in females. The authors also report that imaging-based diagnosis, tailored surgery, and selective genetic testing were associated with favorable postoperative outcomes in this patient group.

    Why the authors say this matters

    The authors say the study addresses the limited availability of standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols for craniofacial osteomas. They conclude that combining imaging, chosen surgical techniques, and selective genetic testing allows for accurate evaluation and effective treatment.

    What the researchers tested

    The researchers conducted a retrospective review of 141 patients with craniofacial osteomas treated at Kyungpook National University Hospital between October 2011 and September 2025. All patients had clinical examinations and 3-dimensional computed tomography for diagnosis, and some underwent surgical excision by direct, endoscopic, or bicoronal approaches. Whole exome sequencing, a method that examines many genes at once, was performed in patients with multiple large osteomas to evaluate EXT1, EXT2, APC, MSH2, and MLH1 genes linked to Gardner syndrome.

    What worked and what didn't

    A total of 148 osteomas were identified, with the frontal bone as the most common site (60.1%), followed by the parietal, mandibular, and occipital bones. Females accounted for 79.1% of cases, genetic testing found no pathogenic variants related to Gardner syndrome, and no recurrences were observed during 6 months of follow-up.

    What to keep in mind

    The study was retrospective and came from a single hospital, so the findings reflect one clinical setting. The abstract does not describe longer-term follow-up beyond 6 months, and it does not provide detailed limitations beyond the available summary.

    • Craniofacial osteomas were most commonly found in the frontal bone.
    • Females made up 79.1% of the cases.
    • No pathogenic variants related to Gardner syndrome were found in the genetic testing reported.
    • No recurrences were observed during 6 months of follow-up.
    • The study used clinical exams, 3-dimensional computed tomography, surgery, and selective whole exome sequencing.

  • Rare solitary fibrous tumor found in the floor of the mouth

    What the study found

    The study reports a rare case of solitary fibrous tumor, a rare mesenchymal neoplasm of fibroblastic origin, in the floor of the mouth. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination and STAT6 immunohistochemistry.

    Why the authors say this matters

    The authors conclude that this case highlights a rare intraoral presentation of solitary fibrous tumor. They also state that histopathological assessment supported by STAT6 immunohistochemistry is important for accurate diagnosis.

    What the researchers tested

    The researchers examined a case of a 42-year-old man with a slow-growing, well-circumscribed mass on the left side of the floor of the mouth. They reviewed the gross appearance, microscopic features, and immunohistochemical results.

    What worked and what didn't

    The mass was described as encapsulated, pink-greyish, and 3.3 cm at its greatest dimension. Histology showed uniform spindle cells in a patternless architecture within variably collagenized stroma, with prominent thin-walled branching vessels, and immunohistochemistry showed diffuse CD34 positivity and strong nuclear STAT6 expression, supporting the diagnosis.

    What to keep in mind

    This is a single case report, so the findings apply only to this patient. The abstract does not describe treatment, follow-up, or broader clinical outcomes.

    • A solitary fibrous tumor was found in the floor of the mouth, which the authors describe as particularly rare.
    • The patient was a 42-year-old man with a slow-growing mass on the left side of the floor of the mouth.
    • Microscopy showed uniform spindle cells, a patternless architecture, collagenized stroma, and thin-walled branching vessels.
    • CD34 positivity and strong nuclear STAT6 expression supported the diagnosis.
    • The authors say histopathology plus STAT6 immunohistochemistry is important for accurate diagnosis.

  • Rare C5 spinal osteochondroma in a child with multiple hereditary exostoses

    What the study found

    The report describes a rare osteochondroma, a benign bone tumor, in the spinous process of the fifth cervical vertebra in a 7-year-old boy with multiple hereditary exostoses. The child presented with a lump at the back of the neck and difficulty moving his head.

    Why the authors say this matters

    The authors conclude that osteochondroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck masses in children. They also state that early diagnosis and surgical intervention can prevent complications and recurrence, and that postoperative follow-up is important.

    What the researchers tested

    This was a case report of a pediatric patient with multiple hereditary exostoses and a cervical spine lesion. The abstract states that computed tomography was used for precise visualization and preoperative planning.

    What worked and what didn't

    The diagnosis was osteochondroma at C5, specifically involving the spinous process. The abstract does not describe the surgical outcome in detail, but it states that timely diagnosis is important and that postoperative follow-up is needed to monitor recovery and possible complications.

    What to keep in mind

    This is a single case, so it does not provide broader estimates beyond noting that spinal osteochondromas are rare. The abstract does not give detailed treatment results, complications, or long-term follow-up findings for this patient.

    • A 7-year-old boy had a C5 osteochondroma in the spinous process.
    • He presented with a lump at the back of the neck and difficulty moving his head.
    • He also had multiple hereditary exostoses affecting other parts of the body.
    • The abstract says computed tomography helps visualize spinal osteochondromas for preoperative planning.
    • The authors say osteochondroma should be considered in children with neck masses.

  • Tibial anchor repair preserved stability after proximal fibula resection

    What the study found

    In three reported cases, proximal fibular tumors were removed while preserving the common peroneal nerve and other key stabilizing structures. Reattaching the lateral collateral ligament and biceps femoris tendon to the proximal tibia with anchors was associated with stable knees, no tumor recurrence, and good functional scores.

    Why the authors say this matters

    The authors conclude that proximal fibular resections are technically challenging because of the close relationship to the common peroneal nerve and other nearby structures. They suggest that careful planning and nerve handling are important, and that anchor-based reconstruction can provide stable knees and good function.

    What the researchers tested

    The researchers resected three proximal fibular tumors en bloc, meaning the tumors were removed in one piece, with neurovascular preservation. They reattached the lateral collateral ligament and biceps femoris tendon to the proximal tibia using anchors, then followed patients for at least 12 months and assessed function with the musculoskeletal tumor society score (MSTS).

    What worked and what didn't

    All three resections were completed successfully, with preservation of the common peroneal nerve and key stabilizing structures. Knee stability was described as good, no recurrence occurred, and MSTS scores ranged from 83.3% to 93.3%. Two patients had transient common peroneal nerve deficits, but both recovered fully.

    What to keep in mind

    This summary is based on only three cases, so the findings are limited in scope. The abstract also notes that the need for lateral collateral ligament reconstruction is debated, and it does not provide detailed comparative data against other surgical approaches.

    • Three proximal fibular tumors were removed en bloc with neurovascular preservation.
    • The lateral collateral ligament and biceps femoris tendon were reattached to the proximal tibia using anchors.
    • No recurrence was reported during a minimum follow-up of 12 months.
    • Two patients had transient common peroneal nerve deficits, with full recovery.
    • Functional outcomes were reported as MSTS scores from 83.3% to 93.3%.

  • Olutasidenib showed disease control in some chondrosarcoma patients

    What the study found

    Olutasidenib, an IDH1 inhibitor, was generally well tolerated in patients with recurrent, locally advanced, or metastatic IDH1-mutated chondrosarcoma. The authors report disease control in conventional chondrosarcoma, a common subtype of this rare cartilage tumor.

    Why the authors say this matters

    The study suggests this is relevant because chondrosarcomas have limited treatment options, and IDH1/2 mutations are common in them. The authors conclude that the findings support olutasidenib as a tolerated option with disease-control activity in conventional chondrosarcoma.

    What the researchers tested

    The researchers carried out a phase 1b/2 trial in patients with locally advanced or metastatic IDH1-mutated chondrosarcoma. Patients received olutasidenib 150 mg twice daily, and the study measured objective response rate, adverse events, progression-free survival, and overall survival.

    What worked and what didn't

    Twenty-three patients were enrolled, including 16 with conventional chondrosarcoma. In 21 response-evaluable patients, 11 had stable disease, 8 had progressive disease, and 2 were not evaluable; in the conventional chondrosarcoma group, 10 had stable disease and 6 had progressive disease. Median progression-free survival was 2.0 months overall and 3.5 months in conventional chondrosarcoma, while median overall survival was 16.0 months overall and 19.0 months in conventional chondrosarcoma. No dose-limiting toxicities were reported.

    What to keep in mind

    The abstract notes an open-label design and a small sample size because conventional chondrosarcoma is rare. The summary does not describe a randomized comparison group, and it does not report objective tumor responses beyond stable or progressive disease.

    • Olutasidenib was studied in recurrent, locally advanced, or metastatic IDH1-mutated chondrosarcoma.
    • No dose-limiting toxicities were reported.
    • Among 21 response-evaluable patients, 11 had stable disease and 8 had progressive disease.
    • In conventional chondrosarcoma, 10 patients had stable disease and 6 had progressive disease.
    • Median progression-free survival was 2.0 months overall and 3.5 months in conventional chondrosarcoma.