Multivariate analysis of the prognosis of 37 chondrosarcoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimedto screen for possible factors which affect prognosis of chondrosarcoma. METHODS: Thirty seven cases were selected and analyzed statistically. The patients received surgical treatment at our hospital between December 2005 and March 2008. All of them had complete follow-up data. The survival rates were calculated by univariate analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and tested by Log-rank. χ2 or Fisher exact tests were carried out for the numeration data. The significant indexes after univariate analysis were then analyzed by multivariate analysis using COX regression model. Based on the literature, factors of gender, age, disease course, tumor location, Enneking grades, surgical approaches, distant metastasis and local recurrence were examined. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in Enneking grades, surgical approaches and distant metastasis related to the patients' 3-year survival rate after surgery (P<0.001). No significant difference was not found in gender, age, disease course, tumor location or local recurrence (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that Enneking grade (P=0.007) and surgical approaches (P=0.010) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of chondrosarcoma, but distant metastasis was not (P=0.942). CONCLUSION: Enneking grades, surgical approaches and distant metastasis are risk factors for prognosis of chondrosarcoma, among which the former two are independent factors.

Artesunate inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in human osteosarcoma HOS cell line in vitro and in vivo.

This paper aims to investigate the effects of artesunate (ART) on growth and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma HOS cell line in vitro and in vivo and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The induction of apoptosis was detected by light and transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the related mechanisms. Nude mice were further employed to investigate the antitumour activity of ART in vivo. MTT assay results demonstrated that ART selectively inhibits the growth of HOS cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Based on the findings of light and transmission electron microscopy, Hoechst 33258 staining, and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-annexin V staining, the cytotoxicity of ART in HOS cells occurs through apoptosis. With ART treatment, cytosolic cytochrome c was increased, Bax expression was gradually upregulated, Bcl-2 expression was downregulated, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 were activated. Thus, the intrinsic apoptotic pathway may be involved in ART-induced apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that ART may induce cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase. In nude mice bearing HOS xenograft tumours, ART inhibited tumour growth and regulated the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and survivin, in agreement with in vitro observations. ART has a selective antitumour activity against human osteosarcoma HOS cells, which may be related to its effects on induction of apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway. The results suggest that ART is a promising candidate for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

[Resection pseudoarthrosis for pelvic malignant tumors around acetabular].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the resection pseudoarthrosis for pelvic malignant tumors around acetabular. METHODS: From May 1997 to June 2005, 25 patients with malignant tumors around acetabular were treated surgically with resection pseudoarthrosis. The series comprised 15 males and 10 females with an average age of 42 years old (range from 16 to 75 years old). There were 4 osteosarcomas, 12 chondrosarcomas, 1 Ewing's sarcoma, 1 neuroectodermal tumor, 1 myeloma, 1 malignant fibrohistiocytoma, 2 synovial sarcomas, and 3 metastases. Pseudoarthrosis was performed after resection of pelvic malignant tumors around acetabular. The affected side was protected postoperatively by skin traction with 2 - 3 kg weight for 6 to 8 weeks. After then, the patients walked gradually with a cane. RESULTS: Among 25 patients, 6 had complications (24%). At a follow-up ranging from 3 to 10 years, 11 patients died of lung metastases, 2 relapsed, 12 remained alive free of disease. There was an average crispation of 5 cm (range from 2.5 to 7.5 cm). The patients were functionally evaluated according to Enneking's MSTS criteria in 1993. The average MSTS functional score was 17 points (12 to 19 points). After 3 months postoperative, the patients could sit normally, walk with a cane, and even walk limpingly without cane. CONCLUSIONS: Resection pseudoarthrosis for pelvic malignant tumors around acetabular results in good clinical results at the time of mid-term and long-term follow-up. And pseudoarthrosis is advisable especially for patients with malignant highly tumors around acetabular, poor soft tissue reconstruction condition, high risk for infection, poor economy.

[Long-term result of fibula grafting for reconstruction of the distal radius after giant cell tumor excision].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the long-term result of fibula grafting for reconstruction of the distal radius after giant cell tumor excision. METHODS: From March 1994 to November 2004, 31 cases of fibula grafting for reconstruction of the distal radius for giant cell tumors performed were analysed. There were 12 males and 19 females. The patients were from 19 to 48 years old, and the mean age was 31 years. Twenty-four patients had Campanacci grade 3 lesions, and 7 patients had Campanacci grade 2 lesions. There were 6 cases of vascularized fibular grafting and 25 cases of non-vascularized fibular grafting. All cases were evaluated by clinical and radiologic examinations; the movement of the wrist and the grip strength was measured; the MSTS score and Mayo Wrist scores were calculated. RESULTS: Clinical follow-up time after reconstruction averaged 86.3 months, range from 41 to 169 months. The mean time for bone union at the host-graft junctions was 5.1 months range from 3 to 9 months in vascularized group and 10.3 months range from 7 to 15 months in non-vascularized group. One patient who had non-vascularized fibula grafting developed non-union at the host-graft junction, and one patient had local recurrence (3.2%). Five patients developed an wrist dislocation after surgery. The average movements of the wrist were: 67.3 +/- 9.4 degrees of extension, 31.2 +/- 5.1 degrees of flexion, 14.1 +/- 4.7 degrees of radial deviation, 19.4 +/- 3.9 degrees of ulnar deviation, 33.8 +/- 6.6 degrees of pronation, 15.3 +/- 4.0 degrees of supination. Average grip strength was 33.1 kg range from 15.5 to 52.1 kg. Compared with the contralateral side, there were accounted for 73%. MSTS score averaged 25.5 from 23 to 29, Mayo wrist score averaged 56 from 40 to 65. CONCLUSIONS: En bloc resection of giant cell tumor of the distal radius followed by reconstruction with a fibula graft is proved to be an effective method and results in a good functional outcome at long term follow-up evaluation. The stability of wrist is achieved by reconstruction of the capsule.

[The surgical therapy of periacetabular malignant tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To study the limb salvage methods and treatment outcomes in malignant periacetabular bone tumors. METHODS: The data of 31 patients of periacetabular malignant tumors who had limb salvage surgery between January 1999 and December 2006 was retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 females and 17 males with a mean age of 53 years (range, 42-75 years). Twenty-four patients had chondrosarcomas, 4 patients had Ewing sarcomas, 1 patient had osteosarcoma, and the remaining 2 patients had metastatic disease. Sixteen patients had Types II pelvic resections, 5 patients had Types I and II pelvic resections, another 5 had Type I and III pelvic resections, and Type I , II and III pelvic resections in the remaining patients. Seventeen patients had reconstructions after tumor resection. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time for all patients was 52 months (range, 12-84 months). Fourteen patients were alive with no evidence of disease, 4 patients were alive with disease at the most recent follow-up, and 13 patients died of disease. The local recurrence rate and mortality rate in 24 patients with chondrosarcomas was 20.8% and 33.3% respectively. Two patients with metastatic disease died at 11 and 34 months postoperatively. One patient with osteosarcoma and 2 patients with Ewing sarcoma died of lung metastases. Enneking scoring system was used to evaluate the functional outcome in 18 alive patients. In 13 patients who had reconstructions, 6 were in excellent, 6 were in good, and 1 was in poor. While in 6 patients who had no reconstructions, 3 were in excellent, 2 were in good, and 1 was in poor. Minor complications occurred in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Clear margin tumor resection with decreased local recurrence rate is critical for limb salvage surgery in periacetabular sarcomas. The ranges of tumor invasion and resection, the principle of individual treatment should be considered in functional reconstruction.

[Endoprosthetic reconstruction after wide resection of primary bone tumor around the knee].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and complication of the endoprosthetic reconstruction after wide resection of primary bone tumor around the knee. METHODS: The retrospective analysis was performed on 83 patients undergoing the prosthetic reconstruction after the resection of the primary tumor around the knee between December 1995 and December 2005. All the diagnoses were pathologically confirmed (58 patients with osteosarcoma, 2 with osteosarcomatosis, 1 with parosteal osteosarcoma, 4 with malignant fibrous histiocytoma, 13 with giant cell tumor of bone, 1 with leiomyosarcoma, 2 with Ewing's sarcoma, 2 with chondrosarcoma). The distal femur group was involved in 44 patients, proximal tibia group in 34 (including 33 deficit in proximal tibia, 1 deficit both in proximal tibia and distal femur), total femur replacement group in 5. After operation, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was used to evaluate the recovery of their corresponding functions. RESULTS: The follow-up for 12 - 130 months (with a median of 41 months) revealed that the 3-year survival rate of the prosthesis was 88.2%, and the 5-year survival rate was 82.1%. As for the complications, local recurrence developed in 6 patients, peri-prosthesis infection in 2 patients, aseptic loosening in 2 patients. The mean MSTS core was 25.0 (19.0 - 29.0) in the distal femur group, 24.4 (17.0 - 28.0) in the proximal tibia group, and 19.0 (16.0 - 21.0) in the total femur replacement group. As to the statistical analysis, the function of the former two groups were greater than the latter one (F = 11.666, P < 0.001), however, there was no significant difference between the former 2 groups (F = 0.813, P = 0.370). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the tumor prosthesis gives a satisfactory functional outcome after the tumor around the knee is removed with a lower incidence of complication.

[The choice strategy of surgical treatment for giant cell tumor close to the knee].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively study and analyze the methods of the surgery management for giant cell tumor close to the knee. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 121 patients who underwent surgical treatment for giant cell tumor close to the knee between 1978 and 1997. There were 71 cases had been managed with an intralesional procedure of the tumor (curettage, freezing with liquid nitrogen and autograft or allograft, Group 1), 50 cases with a semi-arthroplasty using allograft after en bloc resection (Group 2). According to the relation of the clinical signs and symptoms, tumor character, operative method and local recurrence, limp function, complication were evaluated. Based on the figure of tumor lesion on CT, a new formulation of treatment was given: (1) I diameter of tumor 3/4, en bloc resection and reconstruction. The prospectively collected records of 65 cases of patients, 45 cases with curettage, heat cauterization with electrocautery and phenol, autograft and cement (Group 1), 20 cases with arthroplasty using prosthetic (Group 2), who had a giant-cell tumor closed knee, were reviewed to determine feasibility of the new formulation of treatment. RESULTS: The first duration, the rate of the local recurrence between 2 groups showed no statistical difference. There were less complication rate and better limp function after using two different surgical treatment. The second duration, there were no statistical difference with the rate of the local recurrence, complication, and limp function. The number of patients who managed with en bloc resection and reconstruction decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The choice strategy of surgical treatment for giant cell tumor close to the knee should be based on the figure of tumor lesion on CT. It gives a new formulation of treatment to choice of an intralesional procedure and en bloc resection. An effective intralesional procedure should be the method of the first choice.

[Cytotoxicity and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma U2OS cells induced by recombinant soluble AZURIN].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of recombinant AZURIN protein of P. aeruginosa on growth and apoptosis of U2OS cells. METHODS: The AZURIN gene was amplified from the genome of P.aeruginosa by PCR, and cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pQE30. The soluble AZURIN protein was expressed in E. coli cells M15, then purified and refolded. After treatment of AZURIN, the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis were determined by morphological observation, MTT assay, flow cytometry(FCM) and DNA fragmentation assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential(DeltaPsim) was measured by FCM. RESULTS: The purity of recombinant protein AZURIN reached to 99.1%. Proliferation of U2OS cells were significantly inhibited 12 h after AZURIN (100-200 mg/L) treatment. Apoptosis peak and DNA ladder were observed. Mitochondrial membrane potential decreased gradually from 12 h to 72 h after AZURIN treatment. CONCLUSION: The recombinant AZURIN inhibit the growth of the human osteosarcoma U2OS cells and inducs apoptosis in vitroìwhich may be associated with the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential.

[Repairing bone and joint defect after tumor excision with allograft/prosthetic composite arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results and complications of allograft/prosthetic composite arthroplasty for the bone and joint defect after tumor resection. METHODS: Allograft/prosthetic composite arthroplasty included proximal femoral allograft with total hip arthroplasty (12 cases), distal femoral allograft with total knee arthroplasty (10 cases), and proximal tibial allograft with total knee arthroplasty (3 cases). The bone cement was used to fix the prosthesis and allograft-host bone. Before and after operation, 10 patients with osteosarcoma and 4 patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma received high-dose chemotherapy for 6 cycles. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 64 months (36 to 112 months). Three patients died within 37 months. The remaining were alive with tumor-free. There were no dislocation or loose of the prosthesis. Two greater trochanters of the allogenous femur were partially absorbed. Synostosis was found at the allograft-host conjunction of all patients. Using the Enneking functional evaluation system, the mean postoperative score for all patients was 23.4 with a range from 17-27. CONCLUSION: Allograft/prosthetic composite arthroplasty has the advantages of both techniques and can meet the functional need of patients.

[Risk factors and prognosis of surgery for spinal metastasis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors and prognosis of surgery for spinal metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 63 patients with spinal metastasis who underwent surgical treatment between June 1992 and June 2002. Forty-one patients underwent anterior en-bloc or partial resection, decompression and reconstruction with internal fixation of the spine. Laminectomy and decompression with internal fixation were done in 8 patients. One-stage anterior-posterior en-bloc resection and decompression followed by reconstructive stabilization were done in 14 patients. RESULTS: Having been followed up more than 6 months, postoperative radiological evaluation revealed that spinal stabilization was evident in all patients. Fifty-seven (91.9%) patients benefited with quality of life significantly improved through pain alleviation, 41 (66.1%) patients improved in their neurological status. No serious complications were observed in surgery. The mean survival time after surgery was 6 months in patients with lung and liver carcinoma, 15 months in breast, prostatic, and stomach carcinoma as well as the other miscellaneous malignancies and 28 months in thyroid, kidney carcinoma among which groups the difference were significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for spinal metastasis is able to relieve neurological symptoms and improve the quality of life. The survival time is related to the site of primary tumor; shorter survival in lung and liver carcinoma, longer in breast, prostatic, stomach carcinoma and longest in thyroid and kidney carcinoma.