Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcoma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2022 May 31;14(4):35448. doi: 10.52965/001c.35448. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DCS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The purpose of this investigation was to describe our treatment and outcomes of 16 DCS patients at our institution and provide a review of the current literature.

Methods: This study was a retrospective review over a consecutive twenty-year period. Data including treatment details and outcomes were recorded.

Results: A total of 16 cases from 2000 to 2018 were identified. The median age (IQR) was 62 years (52; 69) and the majority of DCS arose in the femur (50%, n=8) and pelvis (25%, n=4). Fourteen (88%) cases underwent limb salvage/wide margin resection (n=13) or intralesional surgery (n=1). For all DCS, the median survival (IQR) was 46 months (12; 140), with both a five and ten-year probability of 32.1% (95% CI, 7.3% to 57.0%). At study conclusion, 81.3% (n=13) were deceased and 18.7% (n=3) were alive.

Conclusions: Our findings confirm the poor prognosis of DCS patients, with a five-year estimate of 32%. Together with existing literature, our data might help enable future strategic recommendation of these patients.

Keywords: chondrosarcoma; dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma; outcomes; prognosis; survival.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

No funding sources were required for this study.