Malignant Transformation of a Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Treated with Denosumab: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2016 Jul-Sep;6(3):e78. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.16.00024.

Abstract

Case: Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone was first described almost 200 years ago, but the optimal treatment continues to evolve. We present a patient with a pelvic GCT who was treated with embolization, 20 months of denosumab therapy, and resection. Histologically, the tumor consisted of degenerated GCT, bone, and fibrous tissue. After 7 months, the patient was found to have osteosarcoma at the site of the initial lesion as well as pulmonary metastases.

Conclusion: The apparent malignant transformation of a GCT of bone treated initially with denosumab indicates that close follow-up is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects*
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Denosumab / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / drug therapy
  • Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / pathology*
  • Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / surgery
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / etiology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / pathology*
  • Osteosarcoma / etiology
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology*
  • Pelvic Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Pelvic Bones / drug effects
  • Pelvic Bones / pathology*
  • Pelvic Bones / surgery

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Denosumab