giant cell tumor

Osteoclastoma - giant cell tumor

2015-03-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

Osteoclastoma - giant cell tumor

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a rare, aggressive non-cancerous (benign) tumor. It generally occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Giant cell tumor of bone is very rarely seen in children or in adults older than 65 years of age. Giant cell tumors occur in approximately one person per million per year.

Giant cell tumors are named for the way they look under the microscope. Many "giant cells" are seen. They are formed by fusion of several individual cells into a single, larger complex.

Many bone tumors and other conditions (including normal bone) contain giant cells. Giant cell tumor of bone is given its characteristic appearance by the constant finding of a large number of these cells existing in a typical background. Most bone tumors occur in the flared portion near the ends of long bone (metaphysis), but giant cell tumor of bone occurs almost exclusively in the end portion of long bones next to the joints (epiphysis). In rare cases, this tumor may spread to the lungs.

Giant cell tumors of bone occur spontaneously. They are not known to be associated with trauma, environmental factors, or diet. They are not inherited. In rare cases, they may be associated with hyperparathyroidism.

Below you can find symptoms and treatments for Osteoclastoma/GCT

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2010-06-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Denosumab Active Against Giant Cell Tumor of Bone

2010-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Denosumab Active Against Giant Cell Tumor of Bone

In a Phase II clinical trial, denosumab produced high rates of tumor response among patients with recurrent or unresectable giant cell tumors of bone. These results were published in Lancet Oncology.

Denosumab is an investigational drug that targets a protein known as the RANK ligand. This protein regulates the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). Denosumab has shown promising results in the management of patients with bone metastases as well as the management of bone loss due to cancer treatment.

Giant cell tumor of bone is a relatively uncommon type of bone tumor. In most patients it does not spread to other parts of the body, but it can cause extensive local destruction of bone if not effectively treated. These tumors tend to be rich in cells that express the RANK ligand, suggesting a possible role for denosumab in the treatment of this condition.

To evaluate the effect of denosumab among patients with giant cell tumor of bone, researchers conducted a Phase II clinical trial among 37 patients with recurrent or unresectable tumors. All patients were treated with denosumab.

The primary outcome of interest was tumor response. This was defined as at least 90% elimination of giant cells or no radiographic progression of the tumor. Tumor response was assessed at week 25 of the study.

86% of patients showed evidence of tumor response.
Side effects were reported by 89% of patients. The most common side effects were pain in an extremity, back pain, and headache.
This study suggests that denosumab produces a high rate of tumor response in patients with giant cell tumor of bone. Additional studies of denosumab for the treatment of this condition are warranted.

Reference: Thomas D, Henshaw R, Skubitz K et al. Denosumab in patients with giant-cell tumor of bone: an open-label, phase 2 study. Lancet Oncology [early online publication]. February 10, 2010.

http://www.cancerconsultants.com/denosumab-active-giant-cell-tumor-bone/

Pamidronate Disodium (Aredia®)

2010-03-10T00:59:00.001-08:00

Specific Therapies for Paget’s Disease of Bone in U.S.

Calcitonin

Salmon calcitonin (By injection Miacalcin®)

Bisphosphonates

Etidronate disodium (Didronel®)
Pamidronate disodium (Aredia®)
Alendronate sodium (Fosamax®)
Tiludronate disodium (Skelid®)
Risedronate sodium (Actonel®)

Pamidronate Disodium (Aredia®)

Dose

30 mg intravenous infusion over 4 hours on 3 consecutive days is approved regimen but seldom used
60 mg or 90 mg intravenous infusions over 2-4 hours are commonly used in mild disease a single infusion is effective, 2-3 or more infusions may be required in more severe disease
Depending upon the response to the initial treatment, the drug may be re-administered at irregular intervals

Side Effects

About 1/3 of patients have an acute phase reaction within 24 hours, including fever, myalgia and slight leucopenia. Seldom occurs afters initial infusion
Inflammation of the eye occurs rarely

Drug Resistance

Primary: rare
Secondary: may occur, but incidence is unknown