Faculty Bibliography

UNLABELLED:-associated methylation and transcriptional profiles as early events in DDCS, which may underlie the pathogenesis of dedifferentiation in chondrosarcomas. SIGNIFICANCE:DDCS is a rare, high-grade chondrosarcoma with a dismal prognosis. About 50%-80% of DDCS harbor IDH1/IDH2 mutations. We uncover a significant alteration of IDH-associated methylation profile in DDCS, which we propose is key to the progression to dedifferentiation. In this context, the potential effect of the use of IDH inhibitors is unclear but important to address, as clinical trials of selective IDH1 inhibitors showed worse outcome in DDCS.

BACKGROUND:Regional lymph node metastasis (RLNM) occurs infrequently in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), although certain STS subtypes have a higher propensity for RLNM. The identification of RLNM has significant implications for staging and prognosis; however, the precise impact of node-positive disease on patient survival remains a topic of controversy. Although the benefits of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are well documented in patients with melanoma and breast cancer, whether this procedure offers a benefit in STS is controversial. METHODS:A systematic literature search was performed and articles reviewed to determine if SLNB in patients with extremity/truncal STS impacts disease-free or overall survival. RESULTS:Six studies were included. Rates of sentinel lymph node positivity were heterogeneous (range 4.3-50%). The impact of SLNB on patient outcomes remains unclear. The overall quality of available evidence was low, as assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. CONCLUSIONS:The literature addressing the impact of nodal basin evaluation on the staging and management of patients with extremity/truncal STS is confounded by heterogeneous patient cohorts and clinical practices. Multicenter prospective studies are warranted to determine the true incidence of RLNM and whether SLNB could benefit patients with clinically occult RLNM at diagnosis.

A 50-year-old male presented with left hallux pain and swelling that was treated for infection. Initial imaging studies were inconclusive, but further evaluation led to a diagnosis of high-grade primary osteosarcoma. Despite surgery and chemotherapy, the disease progressed rapidly, and 7 months after toe amputation multiple lung metastases were discovered. The patient died 15 months after diagnosis. Foot osteosarcomas are extremely rare malignant neoplasms that are often misdiagnosed, resulting in delayed or inappropriate treatment. It is imperative to maintain a high index of suspicion of any destructive bone lesions in the foot, regardless of size and symptom severity.
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Metastatic disease of the periacetabular region is a common problem in orthopaedic oncology, associated with severe pain, decreased mobility, and substantial decline of the quality of life. Conservative management includes optimisation of pain management, activity modification, and radiation therapy. However, patients with destructive lesions affecting the weight-bearing portion of the acetabulum often require reconstructive surgery to decrease pain and restore mobility. The goal of surgery is to provide an immediately stable and durable construct, allowing immediate postoperative weight-bearing and maintaining functional independence for the remaining lifetime of the patient. A variety of surgical techniques have been reported, most of which are based upon cemented total hip arthroplasty, but also include porous tantalum implants and percutaneous cementoplasty. This review discusses the various reconstructive concepts and options, including their respective indications and outcome. A reconstructive algorithm incorporating different techniques and strategies based upon location and quality of remaining bone is also presented.

Aims/UNASSIGNED:Our objective was to determine if preoperative patient-reported assessments are associated with survival after surgery for stabilization of skeletal metastases. Patients and Methods/UNASSIGNED:All patients with metastatic cancer to bone and indications for skeletal stabilization surgery were approached to participate in a prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center from 2012 to 2017. Of the 208 patients who were eligible, 195 (94%) completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) preoperatively and underwent surgical treatment of skeletal metastases with complete or impending fractures; the sample encompassed a range of cancer diagnoses and included cases of both internal fixation and endoprosthetic replacement. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify associations between SF-36 scores and survival. Results/UNASSIGNED: < 0.001). Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Patients' preoperative assessments of their health status are associated with their survival after surgery for skeletal metastases. Patient-reported assessments have the potential to contribute unique information to models that estimate patient survival, as part of efforts to provide optimal, individualized care and make informed decisions about the type and magnitude of surgery for metastatic bone disease that will last the patient's lifetime.

The surgical management of acetabular and pelvic lesions due to metastatic bone disease is complex in nature. These patients are typically in a frail state, having severe pain, limited mobility, and impaired wound healing. This causes a potential for complications, a high concern for the surgeon. Compounding these issues is limited life span for these patients given the advancement of the disease. Considerations for patients undergoing surgical treatment are achievement of significant pain relief and restoration of ambulation, all while having minimal complications during the postoperative period. Management may also include nonsurgical and interventional methods. A multidisciplinary approach is required for the successful treatment of these patients. Although there have been various surgical methods described, there is still no standardized modality that has been noted. These lesions often require complex decision making, imaging, and surgical reconstruction.

Limb-salvage surgery for pelvic sarcomas remains one of the most challenging surgical procedures for musculoskeletal oncologists. In the past several decades, various surgical techniques have been developed for periacetabular reconstruction following pelvic tumor resection. These methods include endoprosthetic reconstruction, allograft or autograft reconstruction, arthrodesis, and hip transposition. Each of these procedures has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no consensus or gold standard for periacetabular reconstruction. Consequently, this review provides an overview of the clinical outcomes for each of these reconstructive options following pelvic tumor resections. Overall, high complication rates are associated with the use of massive implants/grafts, and deep infection is generally the most common cause of reconstruction failure. Functional outcomes decline with the occurrence of severe complications. Further efforts to avoid complications using innovative techniques, such as antibiotic-laden devices, computer navigation, custom cutting jigs, and reduced use of implants/grafts, are crucial to improve outcomes, especially in patients at a high risk of complications.