Introduction: Chordomas are rare malignant bone tumors arising in the axial skeleton, with an incidence of 0.3-0.88 per million inhabitants. We studied the annual incidence rate and centralization... Show moreIntroduction: Chordomas are rare malignant bone tumors arising in the axial skeleton, with an incidence of 0.3-0.88 per million inhabitants. We studied the annual incidence rate and centralization of treatment for chordoma in the Netherlands.Methods: We retrieved pathology excerpts from the PALGA nationwide Dutch Pathology Registry between 1991 and 2019 for patients with a chordoma to calculate incidence rates. From pathology reports we extracted patient age at diagnosis, sex, year of diagnosis, localization of primary tumor, histologic chordoma subtype (conventional including chondroid, poorly differentiated or dedifferentiated), center of diagnosis (bone tumor referral center (BTC) or other hospital), and partial identification of the BTCs.Results: A total of 420 individual chordoma patients were identified in the given time period. The incidence of chordoma increased from 0.593 per million inhabitants between 1991-1995 to 1.111 from 2015-2019 (P = 0.001). Median age at diagnosis was 63 years (range 1-95), 252 patients (60%) were male. The proportion of samples analyzed in a BTC either primarily or secondary, as a consultation, revision or referral, increased significantly from 29.3% to 84.4% (P < 0.001). Most primary and secondary samples were analyzed at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC, 54.4% and 57% respectively).Conclusions: This study shows an increase in the standardized incidence of pathology proven chordoma in the Netherlands. We observed an increase in samples being analysed in the specialized BTCs as well, which is in line with current guidelines and will hopefully lead to more accurate diagnoses and optimal treatment plans for chordoma patients in specialized treatment centers.Keywords: Centralization; Chordoma; Conventional chordoma; Dedifferentiated chordoma; Incidence; Poorly differentiated chordoma. Show less
Lipplaa, A.; Schreuder, W.H.; Pichardo, S.E.C.; Gelderblom, H. 2023
BackgroundSince giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) and other giant cell rich tumors of bone (GCRTB) share the histological presence of osteoclastic giant cells and expression of RANK/RANKL, we... Show moreBackgroundSince giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) and other giant cell rich tumors of bone (GCRTB) share the histological presence of osteoclastic giant cells and expression of RANK/RANKL, we hypothesized that GCRTB will respond similarly to denosumab as GCTB. The primary objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of denosumab in patients with GCRTB that have recurred or require morbid surgery.MethodsIn this open-label, multicenter, phase II trial, patients with GCRTB were included (June 2018-March 2020). Recruitment was stopped because of low accrual. Patients received denosumab (120 mg) subcutaneously (SC) on day 1 of every 4-week cycle with a loading dose of 120 mg SC on days 8 and 15.ResultsThree patients were enrolled. One withdrew consent before start of study. The remaining patients had central giant cell granuloma of the jawbone (CGCG). Median treatment duration was 15 cycles (range 12-18). In both subjects, improvement in ossification of lesions was seen. Median follow-up was 28.5 months (range 20-37). One patient developed a recurrence for which surgery was performed.ConclusionDue to critical emerging real-world data of denosumab in GCRTBs, the study was prematurely stopped and not supportive of use of denosumab for this indication. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03605199). Show less
Lipplaa, A.; Schreuder, W.H.; Pichardo, S.E.C.; Gelderblom, H. 2023
Background: Since giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) and other giant cell rich tumors of bone (GCRTB) share the histological presence of osteoclastic giant cells and expression of RANK/RANKL, we... Show moreBackground: Since giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) and other giant cell rich tumors of bone (GCRTB) share the histological presence of osteoclastic giant cells and expression of RANK/RANKL, we hypothesized that GCRTB will respond similarly to denosumab as GCTB. The primary objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of denosumab in patients with GCRTB that have recurred or require morbid surgery.Methods: In this open-label, multicenter, phase II trial, patients with GCRTB were included (June 2018-March 2020). Recruitment was stopped because of low accrual. Patients received denosumab (120 mg) subcutaneously (SC) on day 1 of every 4-week cycle with a loading dose of 120 mg SC on days 8 and 15.Results: Three patients were enrolled. One withdrew consent before start of study. The remaining patients had central giant cell granuloma of the jawbone (CGCG). Median treatment duration was 15 cycles (range 12-18). In both subjects, improvement in ossification of lesions was seen. Median follow-up was 28.5 months (range 20-37). One patient developed a recurrence for which surgery was performed.Conclusion: Due to critical emerging real-world data of denosumab in GCRTBs, the study was prematurely stopped and not supportive of use of denosumab for this indication. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03605199).Keywords: aneurysmal bone cyst; denosumab; giant cell granuloma; giant cell rich tumor of bone; systemic therapy. Show less
Lipplaa, A.; Meijer, D.; Sande, M.A.J. van de; Gelderblom, H.; Bovee, J.V.M.G.; Mei, H.L.; Szuhai, K. 2023
Tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TSGCTs) are rare tumors arising in tendons or the synoviae of joints and bursae. The localized type is benign while the diffuse type shows expansive growth leading... Show moreTenosynovial giant cell tumors (TSGCTs) are rare tumors arising in tendons or the synoviae of joints and bursae. The localized type is benign while the diffuse type shows expansive growth leading to greater morbidity and is therefore considered locally aggressive. Typical recurrent chromosomal aberrations are found in the majority of TSCGT and the CSF1 gene is frequently involved. In this article, we describe a newly identified gene fusion mediated by an inversion in a case of diffuse TSGCT. Multicolor-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) molecular karyotyping identified a pericentric inversion of chromosome 1 in 7 out of 17 analyzed cells 46,XX,inv(1)(p13.3q24.3) [7]/46,XX [10], and with interphase FISH the involvement the CSF1 locus was detected. After performing transcriptome sequencing analysis for fusion detection, only one out of five fusion gene algorithms detected a fusion involving the CSF1 gene product. The resulting chimera fuses a sequence from a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) gene to CSF1 Exon 6 on chromosome 1, abrogating the regulatory element of the 3' untranslated region of the CSF1 gene. This new translocation involving Exon 6 of the CSF1 gene fused to 1q24.1, supports the hypothesis that a mutated CSF1 protein is likely to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of TSGCT. The role of the HERV partner identified as a translocation partner, however, remains unclear. Our data add to the complexity of involved translocation partners in TSGCT and point to the potential difficulty of identifying fusion partners in tumor diagnostics using transcriptome sequencing when HERV or other repeat elements are involved. Show less
Schreuder, W.H.; Lipplaa, A.; Cleven, A.H.G.; Berg, H. van den; Bisschop, P.H.; Jongh, R.T. de; ... ; Lange, J. de 2022
Background: In all giant-cell-rich lesions (GCRL) occurring in bone, a common underlying excessive RANKL expression is held responsible for the osteolytic activity. Apart from giant cell tumour of... Show moreBackground: In all giant-cell-rich lesions (GCRL) occurring in bone, a common underlying excessive RANKL expression is held responsible for the osteolytic activity. Apart from giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB), systematic outcome analysis of RANKL inhibition in other GCRL is unavailable. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of a 1-year denosumab protocol in giant cell lesions of the jaw (GCLJ).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted compromising patients treated with a 1year protocol of monthly subcutaneously administered 120 mg denosumab. Objective tumour response based on histology and imaging was used to calculate objective tumour response rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression. Type, severity and frequency of adverse events were recorded in a standardised way to assess safety.Results: Twenty patients, predominantly female (90%), were included. Fifty-five per cent of lesions were located in the mandible; most classified as aggressive lesions (90%). Thirty-five per cent (7/20) of cases were either recurrent after prior treatment or progressive, while on other drug treatment. Objective tumour response rate was 100% after 12 months of treatment. Median PFS was 50.4 months (95% CI 38.0-62.8) with a cumulative PFS rate of 22.6% (95% CI 1.8-43.4) at 5 years follow-up. Median time to progression was 38.4 months (95% CI 26.0 -50.8). Treatment was well tolerated, and none of the patients had to interrupt therapy for toxicity.Conclusion: High-dose denosumab is effective and safe in achieving a complete response in GCLJ within 12 months. The high long-term relapse rate after treatment cessation is the main obstacle for denosumab to become standard treatment for GCLJ. 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Show less
Heijden, L. van der; Lipplaa, A.; Langevelde, K. van; Bovee, J.V.M.G.; Sande, M.A.J. van de; Gelderblom, H. 2022
Purpose of review Giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) are intermediate, locally aggressive primary bone tumors. For conventional GCTB, surgery remains treatment of choice. For advanced GCTB, a more... Show morePurpose of review Giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) are intermediate, locally aggressive primary bone tumors. For conventional GCTB, surgery remains treatment of choice. For advanced GCTB, a more important role came into play for systemic therapy including denosumab and bisphosphonates over the last decade. Recent findings In diagnostics, focus has been on H3F3A (G34) driver mutations present in GCTB. The most frequent mutation (G34W) can be detected using immunohistochemistry and is highly specific in differentiating GCTB from other giant cell containing tumors. PD-L1 expression can be used as biological marker to predict higher recurrence risks in GCTB patients. The use of bisphosphonate-loaded bone cement is under investigation in a randomized controlled trial. A new technique consisting of percutaneous microwave ablation and bisphosphonate-loaded polymethylmethacrylate cementoplasty was proposed for unresectable (pelvic) GCTB. Increased experience with use of denosumab raised concern on elevated recurrence rates. However, conclusions of meta-analyses should be interpreted with risk of indication bias in mind. Several small studies are published with short-course denosumab (varying from 3 to 6 doses). One small trial directly compared denosumab and zoledronic acid, with no statistical differences in radiological and clinical outcome, and nonsignificantly higher recurrence rate after denosumab. As bisphosphonates directly target neoplastic stromal cells in GCTB, larger directly comparative trials are still warranted. Neoadjuvant denosumab is highly effective for advanced GCTB, and a short-course is advised to facilitate surgery, whereas increased recurrence rates remain of concern. Randomized controlled trials are conducted on bisphosphonate-loaded bone cement and on optimal dose and duration of neoadjuvant denosumab. PD-L1 could be a potential new therapy target in GCTB. Show less
Purpose of review Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is an uncommon benign primary bone tumor, consisting of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) expressing reactive osteoclast-like... Show morePurpose of review Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is an uncommon benign primary bone tumor, consisting of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) expressing reactive osteoclast-like giant cells and neoplastic spindle-shaped cells. Denosumab was approved by FDA in 2013 and by EMA in 2014 to treat adults and skeletally mature adolescents with unresectable GCTB or when resection is likely to result in severe morbidity. However, there is much discussion regarding the optimal applied treatment strategy.Recent findingsNeoadjuvant treatment of GCTB with denosumab can effectively downstage tumors to facilitate less morbid surgery or completely avoid the need for resection, but there is concern about local recurrence postsurgery. Definitive treatment of unresectable GTCB improves symptoms and halts tumor progression. The optimal treatment duration is unclear and long-term treatment is associated with adverse events like osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femoral fractures. Denosumab maintenance dose interval is currently being investigated.SummaryFor the related but heterogenous group of giant cell rich tumors of bone, like aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) and central giant cell granuloma (CGCG), denosumab is a new treatment modality under investigation. Given the effectiveness in GCTB, this could be a promising treatment option for selected patients with advanced disease. Show less
Lipplaa, A.; Kroep, J.R.; Heijden, L. van der; Jutte, P.C.; Hogendoorn, P.C.W.; Dijkstra, S.; Gelderblom, H. 2019
Background Bisphosphonates are assumed to inhibit giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB)-associated osteoclast activity and have an apoptotic effect on the neoplastic mononuclear cell population. The... Show moreBackground Bisphosphonates are assumed to inhibit giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB)-associated osteoclast activity and have an apoptotic effect on the neoplastic mononuclear cell population. The primary objective of this study was to determine the 2-year recurrence rate of high-risk GCTB after adjuvant zoledronic acid versus standard care. Methods In this multicenter randomized open-label phase II trial, patients with high-risk GCTB were included (December 2008 to October 2013). Recruitment was stopped because of low accrual after the introduction of denosumab. In the intervention group, patients received adjuvant zoledronic acid (4 mg) intravenously at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Results Fourteen patients were included (intervention n = 8, controls n = 6). Median follow-up was long: 93.5 months (range, 48-111). Overall 2-year recurrence rate was 38% (3/8) in the intervention versus 17% (1/6) in the control group (p = .58). All recurrences were seen within the first 15 months after surgery. Conclusion Adjuvant treatment with zoledronic acid did not decrease the recurrence rate of GCTB in this study. The efficacy could not be determined because of the small sample size. Because recurrences, even in the denosumab era, are still an issue, a randomized study exploring the efficacy of zoledronic acid in the adjuvant setting in GCTB is still valid. Show less
Lipplaa, A.; Kroep, J.R.; Heijden, L. van der; Jutte, P.C.; Hogendoorn, P.C.W.; Dijkstra, S.; Gelderblom, H. 2019
LESSONS LEARNED:Adjuvant treatment with zoledronic acid did not decrease the recurrence rate of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in this study. The efficacy could not be determined because of the... Show moreLESSONS LEARNED:Adjuvant treatment with zoledronic acid did not decrease the recurrence rate of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in this study. The efficacy could not be determined because of the small sample size.GCTB recurrences, even in the denosumab era, are still an issue; therefore, a randomized study exploring the efficacy of zoledronic acid in the adjuvant setting in GCTB is still valid.BACKGROUND:Bisphosphonates are assumed to inhibit giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB)-associated osteoclast activity and have an apoptotic effect on the neoplastic mononuclear cell population. The primary objective of this study was to determine the 2-year recurrence rate of high-risk GCTB after adjuvant zoledronic acid versus standard care.METHODS:In this multicenter randomized open-label phase II trial, patients with high-risk GCTB were included (December 2008 to October 2013). Recruitment was stopped because of low accrual after the introduction of denosumab. In the intervention group, patients received adjuvant zoledronic acid (4 mg) intravenously at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery.RESULTS:Fourteen patients were included (intervention n = 8, controls n = 6). Median follow-up was long: 93.5 months (range, 48-111). Overall 2-year recurrence rate was 38% (3/8) in the intervention versus 17% (1/6) in the control group (p = .58). All recurrences were seen within the first 15 months after surgery.CONCLUSION:Adjuvant treatment with zoledronic acid did not decrease the recurrence rate of GCTB in this study. The efficacy could not be determined because of the small sample size. Because recurrences, even in the denosumab era, are still an issue, a randomized study exploring the efficacy of zoledronic acid in the adjuvant setting in GCTB is still valid. Show less
Purpose of review: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is an uncommon benign primary bone tumor, consisting of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) expressing reactive osteoclast-like... Show morePurpose of review: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is an uncommon benign primary bone tumor, consisting of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) expressing reactive osteoclast-like giant cells and neoplastic spindle-shaped cells. Denosumab was approved by FDA in 2013 and by EMA in 2014 to treat adults and skeletally mature adolescents with unresectable GCTB or when resection is likely to result in severe morbidity. However there is much discussion regarding the optimal applied treatment strategy.Recent findings and conclusion: Neo-adjuvant treatment of GCTB with denosumab can effectively downstage tumors to facilitate less morbid surgery or completely avoid the need for resection, but there is concern about local recurrence post-surgery. Definitive treatment of unresectable GTCB improves symptoms and halts tumor progression. The optimal treatment duration is unclear and long-term treatment is associated with adverse events like osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femoral fractures. Denosumab maintenance dose interval is currently being investigated.For the related but heterogenous group of giant cell rich tumors of bone, like aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) and central giant cell granuloma (CGCG), denosumab is a new treatment modality under investigation. Given the effectiveness in GCTB this could be an promising treatment option for selected patients with advanced disease. Show less
