Is the Number of National Database Research Studies in Musculoskeletal Sarcoma Increasing, and Are These Studies Reliable?

BACKGROUND: Large national databases have become a common source of information on patterns of cancer care in the United States, particularly for low-incidence diseases such as sarcoma. Although aggregating information from many hospitals can achieve statistical power, this may come at a cost when complex variables must be abstracted from the medical record. There is a current lack of understanding of the frequency of use of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and the National Cancer Database (NCDB) over the last two decades in musculoskeletal sarcoma research and whether their use tends to produce papers with conflicting findings. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is the number of published studies using the SEER and NCDB databases in musculoskeletal sarcoma research increasing over time? (2) What are the author, journal, and content characteristics of these studies? (3) Do studies using the SEER and the NCDB databases for similar diagnoses and study questions report concordant or discordant key findings? (4) Are the administrative data reported by our institution to the SEER and the NCDB databases concordant with the data in our longitudinally maintained, physician-run orthopaedic oncology dataset? METHODS: To answer our first three questions, PubMed was searched from 2001 through 2020 for all studies using the SEER or the NCDB databases to evaluate sarcoma. Studies were excluded from the review if they did not use these databases or studied anatomic locations other than the extremities, nonretroperitoneal pelvis, trunk, chest wall, or spine. To answer our first question, the number of SEER and NCDB studies were counted by year. The publication rate over the 20-year span was assessed with simple linear regression modeling. The difference in the mean number of studies between 5-year intervals (2001-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015, 2016-2020) was also assessed with Student t-tests. To answer our second question, we recorded and summarized descriptive data regarding author, journal, and content for these studies. To answer our third question, we grouped all studies by diagnosis, and then identified studies that shared the same diagnosis and a similar major study question with at least one other study. We then categorized study questions (and their associated studies) as having concordant findings, discordant findings, or mixed findings. Proportions of studies with concordant, discordant, or mixed findings were compared. To answer our fourth question, a coding audit was performed assessing the concordance of nationally reported administrative data from our institution with data from our longitudinally maintained, physician-run orthopaedic oncology dataset in a series of patients during the past 3 years. Our orthopaedic oncology dataset is maintained on a weekly basis by the senior author who manually records data directly from the medical record and sarcoma tumor board consensus notes; this dataset served as the gold standard for data comparison. We compared date of birth, surgery date, margin status, tumor size, clinical stage, and adjuvant treatment. RESULTS: The number of musculoskeletal sarcoma studies using the SEER and the NCDB databases has steadily increased over time in a linear regression model (ß = 2.51; p < 0.001). The mean number of studies per year more than tripled during 2016-2020 compared with 2011-2015 (39 versus 13 studies; mean difference 26 ± 11; p = 0.03). Of the 299 studies in total, 56% (168 of 299) have been published since 2018. Nineteen institutions published more than five studies, and the most studies from one institution was 13. Orthopaedic surgeons authored 35% (104 of 299) of studies, and medical oncology journals published 44% (130 of 299). Of the 94 studies (31% of total [94 of 299]) that shared a major study question with at least one other study, 35% (33 of 94) reported discordant key findings, 29% (27 of 94) reported mixed key findings, and 44% (41 of 94) reported concordant key findings. Both concordant and discordant groups included papers on prognostic factors, demographic factors, and treatment strategies. When we compared nationally reported administrative data from our institution with our orthopaedic oncology dataset, we found clinically important discrepancies in adjuvant treatment (19% [15 of 77]), tumor size (21% [16 of 77]), surgery date (23% [18 of 77]), surgical margins (38% [29 of 77]), and clinical stage (77% [59 of 77]). CONCLUSION: Appropriate use of databases in musculoskeletal cancer research is essential to promote clear interpretation of findings, as almost two-thirds of studies we evaluated that asked similar study questions produced discordant or mixed key findings. Readers should be mindful of the differences in what each database seeks to convey because asking the same questions of different databases may result in different answers depending on what information each database captures. Likewise, differences in how studies determine which patients to include or exclude, how they handle missing data, and what they choose to emphasize may result in different messages getting drawn from large-database studies. Still, given the rarity and heterogeneity of sarcomas, these databases remain particularly useful in musculoskeletal cancer research for nationwide incidence estimations, risk factor/prognostic factor assessment, patient demographic and hospital-level variable assessment, patterns of care over time, and hypothesis generation for future prospective studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Pediatric Extra-Axial Chordoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

Extra-axial chordomas in the pediatric population are extremely rare and diagnostically challenging; only four cases have been previously reported with ages ranging from 13 to 20 years. We report a primary extra-axial chordoma involving the soft tissue directly dorsal and ulnar to proximal phalanx in the right thumb of a 12-year-old girl who presented with worsening right thumb pain for 1.5 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by excisional biopsy demonstrating proliferation of large, polygonal epithelioid cells with diffuse expression of pan-cytokeratin and brachyury. The patient required repeat excision for local recurrence seven months later. Since then, she has remained disease free through 15 months surveillance. Extra-axial chordomas share the same histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics with their axial counterparts and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for any extra-axial bone or soft tissue mass with epithelioid morphology.

Cost-utility of osteoarticular allograft versus endoprosthetic reconstruction for primary bone sarcoma of the knee: A markov analysis.

BACKGROUND: The most cost-effective reconstruction after resection of bone sarcoma is unknown. The goal of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of osteoarticular allograft to endoprosthetic reconstruction of the proximal tibia or distal femur. METHODS: A Markov model was used. Revision and complication rates were taken from existing studies. Costs were based on Medicare reimbursement rates and implant prices. Health-state utilities were derived from the Health Utilities Index 3 survey with additional assumptions. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were used with less than $100 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) considered cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses were performed for comparison over a range of costs, utilities, complication rates, and revisions rates. RESULTS: Osteoarticular allografts, and a 30% price-discounted endoprosthesis were cost-effective with ICERs of $92.59 and $6 114.77. One-way sensitivity analysis revealed discounted endoprostheses were favored if allografts cost over $21 900 or endoprostheses cost less than $51 900. Allograft reconstruction was favored over discounted endoprosthetic reconstruction if the allograft complication rate was less than 1.3%. Allografts were more cost-effective than full-price endoprostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoarticular allografts and price-discounted endoprosthetic reconstructions are cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis, using plausible complication and revision rates, favored the use of discounted endoprostheses over allografts. Allografts are more cost-effective than full-price endoprostheses.

Intraoperative Raman spectroscopy of soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare and heterogeneous group of malignant tumors that are often treated through surgical resection. Current intraoperative margin assessment methods are limited and highlight the need for an improved approach with respect to time and specificity. Here we investigate the potential of near-infrared Raman spectroscopy for the intraoperative differentiation of STS from surrounding normal tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo Raman measurements at 785 nm excitation were intraoperatively acquired from subjects undergoing STS resection using a probe based spectroscopy system. A multivariate classification algorithm was developed in order to automatically identify spectral features that can be used to differentiate STS from the surrounding normal muscle and fat. The classification algorithm was subsequently tested using leave-one-subject-out cross-validation. RESULTS: With the exclusion of well-differentiated liposarcomas, the algorithm was able to classify STS from the surrounding normal muscle and fat with a sensitivity and specificity of 89.5% and 96.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that single point near-infrared Raman spectroscopy could be utilized as a rapid and non-destructive surgical guidance tool for identifying abnormal tissue margins in need of further excision. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:774-781, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Overutilization and Cost of Advanced Imaging for Long-Bone Cartilaginous Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and cost of unnecessary advanced imaging studies (AIS) in the evaluation of long bone cartilaginous lesions have not been studied previously. METHODS: A total of 105 enchondromas and 19 chondrosarcomas arising in long bones from July 2008 until April 2012 in 121 patients were reviewed. Advanced imaging was defined as MRI, CT, bone scan, skeletal survey, or CT biopsy. Two blinded radiologists independently reviewed the initial imaging study and determined if further imaging was indicated based on that imaging study alone. The cost of imaging was taken from our institution's global charge list. Imaging was deemed unnecessary if it was not recommended by our radiologists after review of the initial imaging study. The difference in cost was calculated by subtracting the cost of imaging recommended by each radiologist from the cost of unnecessary imaging. The sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing enchondromas from chondrosarcomas was calculated. A minimum of 2 years from diagnosis of an enchondroma was required to monitor for malignant transformation. RESULTS: Of patients diagnosed with an enchondroma, 85 % presented with AIS. The average enchondroma patient presented with one unnecessary AIS. The radiologists' interpretations agreed 85 % of the time for enchondromas and 100 % for chondrosarcomas. The sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing enchondromas from chondrosarcomas was 95 % for one radiologist and 87 and 95 % for the other. The average unnecessary cost per enchondroma patient was $1,346.18. CONCLUSIONS: Unnecessary AIS are frequently performed and are a significant source of expense. The imaging algorithms outlined in this study may reduce unnecessary AIS.

MFH and high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma-what's in a name?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In 2002, with the advent of better classification techniques, the World Health Organization declassified malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) as a distinct histological entity in favor of the reclassified entity high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (HGUPS). To date, no study has evaluated comparative outcomes between patients designated historically in the MFH group and those classified in the new HGUPS classification. Our goal was to determine the presence of clinical prognostic implications that have evolved with this new nomenclature. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were retrospectively evaluated between January 1998 and December 2007. Forty-five patients diagnosed with MFH between 1998 and 2003 were compared to 23 patients in the HGUPS group, from 2004 to 2007. Primary prognostic outcomes assessed included overall survival, metastatic-free, and local recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Five-year survivorship between MFH and HGUPS populations, using Kaplan-Meier or competing risk methods, did not show statistical difference for overall survival (60% vs. 74%, P=0.36), 5-year metastasis-free survival (31% vs. 26%, P=0.67), or local recurrence-free survival (13% vs. 16%, P=0.62). CONCLUSION: Despite new classification nomenclature, there appears to be no identifiable prognostic implications for sarcomas that remain in the unclassifiable HGUPS group, as compared to the previously accepted MFH group.

Medical malpractice and sarcoma care--a thirty-three year review of case resolutions, inciting factors, and at risk physician specialties surrounding a rare diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed medico-legal cases related to extremity sarcoma malpractice in order to recognize those factors most commonly instigating sarcoma litigation. METHODS: Over one million legal cases available in a national legal database were searched for malpractice verdicts and settlements involving extremity sarcoma spanning 1980-2012. We categorized verdict/settlement resolutions by state, year, award amount, nature of the complaint/injury, specialty of the physician defendant, and academic affiliation of defendant-amongst other variables. RESULTS: Of the 216 cases identified, 57% of case resolutions favored the plaintiff, with a mean indemnity payment of $2.30 million (range $65,076-$12.66 million). Delay in diagnosis (81%), unnecessary amputation (11%), and misdiagnosis (7%) accounted for the majority of complaints. The greatest numbers of claims were filed against primary care specialties (34%), orthopaedic surgeons (23%), and radiologists (12%). Individual state tort reform measures were not protective against case resolution outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Reported medico-legal claims involving sarcoma care continue to rise, with mean indemnity payments approaching 10 times that for other reported medical/surgical specialties. Primary care and orthopaedic specialties are the most commonly named physician defendants, citing a delay in diagnosis. This suggests further education in the front line diagnosis and management of sarcomas is needed.

Does postoperative infection after soft tissue sarcoma resection affect oncologic outcomes?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prior studies have demonstrated postoperative infection may confer a survival benefit after osteosarcoma resection. Our aim was to determine whether infection after soft tissue sarcoma resection has similar effects on metastasis, recurrence and survival. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted; 396 patients treated surgically for a soft tissue sarcoma between 2000 and 2008 were identified. Relevant oncologic data were collected. Fifty-six patients with a postoperative infection were compared with 340 patients without infection. Hazard ratios and overall cumulative risk were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no difference in survival, local recurrence or metastasis between patients with or without a postoperative infection. Patients were evenly matched for age at diagnosis, gender, smoking status, and diabetes status. Tumor characteristics did not differ between groups in tumor size, location, depth, grade, margin status, stage, and histologic subtype. There was no difference in utilization of chemotherapy or radiation therapy between groups. From our competing risk model, only positive margin status significantly impacted the risk of local recurrence. An increase in tumor size corresponded to an increased risk of metastasis and death. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative infection neither conferred a protective effect, nor increased the risk of adverse oncologic outcomes after soft tissue sarcoma resection.

Surgical Margins in Musculoskeletal Sarcoma.

¼ Negative margin resection of musculoskeletal sarcomas is associated with reduced risk of local recurrence.¼ There is limited evidence to support an absolute margin width of soft tissue or bone that correlates with reduced risk of local recurrence.¼ Factors intrinsic to the tumor, including histologic subtype, grade, growth pattern and neurovascular involvement impact margin status and local recurrence, and should be considered when evaluating a patient's individual risk after positive margins.¼ Appropriate use of adjuvant therapy, critical analysis of preoperative advanced cross-sectional imaging, and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team are essential to obtain negative margins when resecting sarcomas.

Prophylactic Antibiotic Choice and Deep Infection in Lower Extremity Endoprosthetic Reconstruction: Comparison of Cefazolin, Cefazolin-Vancomycin, and Alternative Regimens.

INTRODUCTION: Infection is a common mode of failure in lower extremity endoprostheses. The Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery trial reported that 5 days of cefazolin had no difference in surgical site infection compared with 24 hours of cefazolin. Our purpose was to evaluate infection rates of patients receiving perioperative cefazolin monotherapy, cefazolin-vancomycin dual therapy, or alternative antibiotic regimens. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was conducted on patients who received lower extremity endoprostheses from 2008 to 2021 with minimum 1-year follow-up. Three prophylactic antibiotic regimen groups were compared: cefazolin monotherapy, cefazolin-vancomycin dual therapy, and alternative regimens. The primary outcome was deep infection, defined by a sinus tract, positive culture, or clinical diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were revision surgery, microorganisms isolated, and superficial wound issues. RESULTS: The overall deep infection rate was 10% (30/294) at the median final follow-up of 3.0 years (IQR 1.7 to 5.4). The deep infection rates in the cefazolin, cefazolin-vancomycin, and alternative regimen groups were 8% (6/72), 10% (18/179), and 14% (6/43), respectively (P = 0.625). Patients not receiving cefazolin had an 18% deep infection rate (6/34) and 21% revision surgery rate (7/34) compared with a 9% deep infection rate (24/260) (P = 0.13) and 12% revision surgery rate (31/260) (P = 0.17) in patients receiving cefazolin. In those not receiving cefazolin, 88% (30/34) were due to a documented penicillin allergy, only two being anaphylaxis. All six patients in the alternative regimen group who developed deep infections did not receive cefazolin secondary to nonanaphylactic penicillin allergy. CONCLUSION: The addition of perioperative vancomycin to cefazolin in lower extremity endoprosthetic reconstructions was not associated with a lower deep infection rate. Patients who did not receive cefazolin trended toward higher rates of deep infection and revision surgery, although not statistically significant. The most common reason for not receiving cefazolin was a nonanaphylactic penicillin allergy, highlighting the continued practice of foregoing cefazolin unnecessarily.

The financial burden of reexcising incompletely excised soft tissue sarcomas: a cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although survival outcomes have been evaluated between those undergoing a planned primary excision and those undergoing a reexcision following an unplanned resection, the financial implications associated with a reexcision have yet to be elucidated. METHODS: A query for financial data (professional, technical, indirect charges) for soft tissue sarcoma excisions from 2005 to 2008 was performed. A total of 304 patients (200 primary excisions and 104 reexcisions) were identified. Wilcoxon rank sum tests and χ2 or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare differences in demographics and tumor characteristics. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed with bootstrapping techniques. RESULTS: The average professional charge for a primary excision was $9,694 and $12,896 for a reexcision (p<.001). After adjusting for tumor size, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, grade, and site, patients undergoing reexcision saw an increase of $3,699 in professional charges more than those with a primary excision (p<.001). Although every 1-cm increase in size of the tumor results in an increase of $148 for a primary excision (p=.006), size was not an independent factor in affecting reexcision charges. The grade of the tumor was positively associated with professional charges of both groups such that higher-grade tumors resulted in higher charges compared to lower-grade tumors (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reexcision of an incompletely excised sarcoma results in significantly higher professional charges when compared to a single, planned complete excision. Additionally, when the cost of the primary unplanned surgery is considered, the financial burden nearly doubles.

Serum levels of methyl methacrylate following inhalational exposure to polymethylmethacrylate bone cement.

UNLABELLED: Teratogenic effects of polymethylmethacrylate cement at levels used during routine orthopaedic procedures have never been reported, however the hypothetical risk remains a major concern among female surgeons. Our aim was to determine if methyl methacrylate is detectible in the serum during routine cement exposure. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers were exposed during the mixing of polymethylmethacrylate cement in a simulated operating room environment. Forty serum samples were obtained during the expected peak inhalational exposure and levels of methyl methacrylate were assessed utilizing headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Methyl methacrylate was not detected in any of the forty experimental specimens. CONCLUSIONS: With a detection level of 0.5 ppm, methyl methacrylate is undetectable in the serum during routine mixing of polymethylmethacrylate cement.

Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis: A Review of the Noninfectious Inflammatory Bone Disease and Lessons for More Timely Diagnosis.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an idiopathic autoinflammatory disease of the bone that typically occurs in children and adolescents. CRMO is characterized by recurrent periods of exacerbation and remission of symptomatic, osteolytic/sclerotic sterile bone lesions and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment consists of multimodal anti-inflammatory medication management by rheumatology and rarely involves surgery. This review summarizes the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this disease and highlights the role of the orthopedic surgeon. With increased familiarity with CRMO, clinicians will be able to diagnose and treat the condition in a more timely manner. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(3):e149-e155.].

Surgical Fixation Method in Lower Extremity Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction After Oncologic Resection: A Comparison of Plates and Nails.

INTRODUCTION: Fixation in intercalary allograft reconstruction includes plates and intramedullary nails. The purpose of this study was to examine rates of nonunion, fracture, the overall need for revision surgery, and allograft survival based on the surgical fixation method in lower extremity intercalary allografts. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 51 patients with intercalary allograft reconstruction in the lower extremity. Fixation methods compared were intramedullary fixation with nails (IMN) and extramedullary fixation with plates (EMP). Complications compared were nonunion, fracture, and wound complications. The alpha was set at 0.05 for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Nonunion incidence at all allograft-to-native bone junction sites was 21% (IMN) and 25% (EMP) ( P = 0.8). Fracture incidence was 24% (IMN) and 32% (EMP) ( P = 0.75). Median fracture-free allograft survival was 7.9 years (IMN) and 3.2 years (EMP) ( P = 0.04). Infection was seen in 18% (IMN) and 12% (EMP) ( P = 0.7). The overall need for revision surgery was 59% (IMN) and 71% (EMP) ( P = 0.53). Allograft survival at the final follow-up was 82% (IMN) and 65% (EMP) ( P = 0.33). When the EMP group was subdivided into single plate (SP) and multiple plate (MP) groups and compared with the IMN groups, fracture rates were 24% (IMN), 8% (SP), and 48% (MP) ( P = 0.04). Rates of revision surgery were 59% (IMN), 46% (SP), and 86% (MP) ( P = 0.04). Allograft survival at the final follow-up was 88% (IMN), 92% (SP), and 52% (MP) ( P = 0.05). DISCUSSION: Median fracture-free allograft survival was notably longer for the IMN group than the EMP group; otherwise, there were no notable differences between the intramedullary and extramedullary groups. When the EMP group was subdivided into the SP and MP groups, patients with MPs had higher rates of fracture, higher rates of revision surgery, and lower overall allograft survival. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Therapeutic Study, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Signal transduction pathway analysis in desmoid-type fibromatosis: transforming growth factor-ß, COX2 and sex steroid receptors.

Despite reports of sex steroid receptor and COX2 expression in desmoid-type fibromatosis, responses to single agent therapy with anti-estrogens and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are unpredictable. Perhaps combination pharmacotherapy might be more effective in desmoid tumors that co-express these targets. Clearly, further understanding of the signaling pathways deregulated in desmoid tumors is essential for the development of targeted molecular therapy. Transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are important regulators of fibroblast proliferation and matrix deposition, but little is known about the TGFß superfamily in fibromatosis. A tissue microarray representing 27 desmoid tumors was constructed; 14 samples of healing scar and six samples of normal fibrous tissue were included for comparison. Expression of selected receptors and activated downstream transcription factors of TGFß family signaling pathways, ß-catenin, sex steroid hormone receptors and COX2 were assessed using immunohistochemistry; patterns of co-expression were explored via correlational statistical analyses. In addition to ß-catenin, immunoreactivity for phosphorylated SMAD2/3 (indicative of active TGFß signaling) and COX2 was significantly increased in desmoid tumors compared with healing scar and quiescent fibrous tissue. Low levels of phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8 were detected in only a minority of cases. Transforming growth factor-ß receptor type 1 and androgen receptor were expressed in both desmoid tumors and scar, but not in fibrous tissue. Estrogen receptor-ß was present in all cases studied. Transforming growth factor-ß signaling appears to be activated in desmoid-type fibromatosis and phosphorylated SMAD2/3 and COX2 immunoreactivity might be of diagnostic utility in these tumors. Given the frequency of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor-ß and COX2 co-expression in desmoid tumors, further assessment of the efficacy of combination pharmacotherapy using hormonal agonists/antagonists together with COX2 inhibitors should be considered.

Nuclear p63 expression in osteoblastic tumors.

Expression of the p63 tumor suppressor protein has been reported in the mononuclear stromal cells of giant cell tumor of the bone, which may represent osteoblast-precursor cells. Only a limited number of osteoblastic tumors have been studied for p63 expression thus far. We therefore examined whether p63 may serve as a marker for osteoblastic differentiation in osteosarcomas or as a differential diagnostic marker to distinguish osteoblastoma from osteosarcoma. Immunohistochemical stains for p63 were performed on a tissue microarray containing 71 chemotherapy naïve biopsy samples of osteosarcoma, 21 whole sections of osteosarcoma, and 8 osteoblastomas. Nuclear p63 was detected in seven of eight osteoblastomas but was restricted to stromal cells within primitive, immature-appearing areas of osteoid deposition. Although only 7 of 71 (10 %) biopsy samples of osteosarcoma represented on the tissue microarray were positive for p63, 7 of 21 (33 %) osteosarcomas were positive when whole tissue sections were evaluated. Although p63 is detected in most osteoblastomas, it is also observed in a significant subset of osteosarcomas, severely limiting its utility in distinguishing between benign and malignant osteoblastic tumors. The relatively low prevalence of p63 expression in osteosarcoma would also seem to preclude its use as a marker of osteoblastic differentiation in skeletal sarcomas.

Multicenter, retrospective comparison of implant survival, complications and cost between plate and screw and intramedullary nail fixation for metastatic lesions of the diaphyseal humerus.

Background: The humerus is a common site of metastatic disease that can be fixated with either plate and screw or intramedullary nail (IMN) constructs. A multicenter retrospective comparison study was undertaken to compare implant survival, complication rate and cost between the two constructs. No prior studies have included a cost comparison. Methods: Databases of two academic practices were queried retrospectively to identify patients with metastases of the humerus. Inclusion criteria were a lesion in the proximal metaphysis to distal diaphysis and amenable to both implant options with available cost data. Follow-up was at least 6 months barring death or discharge to hospice sooner. Demographic, clinical and outcome data was recorded. Costs were estimated based on contract pricing. Operating room (OR) costs were estimated using per minute OR costs proposed by other investigators. Results: One hundred and one humeri in 96 patients were included (72 plates and 29 nails). The most common malignancies were renal cell, myeloma and lung. Half presented with a displaced fracture. Demographics were similar in both groups. Lesions were larger in the plate group. Surgical times were longer in the plate group, 146 vs. 75 min, P<0.001. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was higher in the plate group, 510 vs. 221 mL, P<0.001. A trend toward increased failure was seen in the plate group, 12.5% vs. 0% (P=0.056). The most common complications in the plate group were pain, stiffness and swelling compared to pain, refracture and PE in the nail group. Local disease progression was equivalent. Implant costs were higher in the IMN group ($2,753 vs. $1,553, P<0.001), while OR costs were lower ($2,349 vs. $4,395, P<0.001). Overall cost of implantation was lower in the IMN group ($5,102 vs. $5,949, P=0.005). Conclusions: IMN of metastases of the humerus offers a faster, potentially more durable construct with lower blood loss, faster OR times and decreased cost of implantation.

Adjuvant Radiation after Primary Resection of Atypical Lipomatous Tumors of the Extremity Reduces Local Recurrence but Increases Complications: A Multicenter Evaluation.

Background: Radiation after resection of an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) is controversial. This study evaluates local control and complications after the first resection of ALTs of the extremity with or without adjuvant radiation. Methods: A dual institution, retrospective review of patients treated from 1995 to 2020 with first-time resection of an ALT in the extremity was performed. In total, 102 patients underwent adjuvant radiation (XRT group) and 68 patients were treated with surgery alone (no-XRT group). The median follow-up time was 4.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 2.0-7.3 years). The median radiation dose was 60 Gy (IQR 55-66 Gy). Univariable and multivariable analyses evaluated the association of patient, tumor, and treatment variables with recurrence and complications. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and time to complication. Results: The overall incidence of local recurrence was 1% (1/102) in the XRT group and 24% (16/68) in the no-XRT group (p < 0.001). The median time-to-recurrence was 8.2 years (IQR 6.5-10.5 years). In the XRT and the no-XRT groups, 5-yr LRFS was 98% and 92% (p=0.21) and 10-yr LRFS was 98% and 41% (p < 0.001), respectively. The absence of radiation (HR = 23.63, 95% CI (3.09-180.48); p < 0.001) and R2 surgical resection margins (HR = 11.04, 95% CI (2.07-59.03); p < 0.001) incurred a 23-fold and 11-fold increased risk of local recurrence, respectively, while tumor size, depth, location, and neurovascular involvement were not found to be independent predictors of recurrence. The complication rate was 37% (38/102) in the XRT group and 10% (7/68) in the no-XRT group (p < 0.001). Eight patients (8/102, 8%) required surgical management for complication in the XRT group compared with two patients (2/68, 3%) in the no-XRT group (p=0.10). Higher radiation dose had a modest correlation with increased severity of complication (ρ=0.24; p=0.02). Conclusions: Adjuvant radiation after first-time resection of an ALT of the extremity was associated with a significantly reduced risk of local recurrence but a three-fold increase in complication rate. These data support a 10-year follow-up for these patients and inform a notable clinical trade-off if considering adjuvant radiation for this tumor with recurrent potential.

Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase and activated insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor/insulin receptor: potential therapeutic targets in chordoma.

Currently there is no effective chemotherapy for chordoma. Recent studies report co-expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) and its cognate ligand in chordoma, but it is unknown whether this receptor tyrosine kinase is activated in these tumours. Additionally, genetic studies have confirmed frequent deletions of chromosome 9p in chordomas, which encompasses the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) locus. Another gene in this region, methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), is an essential enzyme of the purine salvage pathway and has therapeutic relevance because MTAP-deficient cells are particularly sensitive to inhibitors of de novo purine synthesis. We investigated whether these pathways might be potential therapeutic targets for chordoma. Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 30 chordomas were analysed by immunohistochemistry for expression of the phosphorylated isoforms of IGF1R or the insulin receptor (pIGF1R/pIR) and selected downstream signalling molecules, including BCL2-associated agonist of cell death protein (BAD). Expression of CDKN2A and MTAP proteins was also assessed. Skeletal chondrosarcomas, benign notochordal cell tumours, and fetal notochord were studied for comparison. Phosphorylated IGF1R/IR was detected in 41% of chordomas, together with activated downstream signalling molecules, and pIGF1R/pIR was absent in benign notochordal cell tumours and fetal notochord. Thirty-nine per cent of chordomas were negative for MTAP immunoreactivity. Patients with pIGF1R/pIR-positive tumours showed significantly decreased median disease-free survival in multivariate survival analysis (p = 0.036), whereas phosphorylation of BAD at serine-99 was found to be associated with a favourable prognosis (p = 0.002). Approximately 40% of chordomas demonstrate evidence of activation of the IGF1R/IR signalling pathway or loss of a key enzyme in the purine salvage pathway. Aberrant signalling cascades and disrupted metabolic pathways such as these may represent opportunities for novel targeted therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chordoma.

Telemedicine in Orthopedic Oncology During COVID-19: Patient Satisfaction, Reimbursement, and Physical Examination Competency.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced many institutions to implement telemedicine to facilitate continued patient care at a distance. The quality of patient care with telemedicine in orthopedic oncology has not been assessed. Between March and June 2020, a telephone survey of 64 patients was conducted in an academic orthopedic oncology practice. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a Likert scale metric, open-ended feedback, and direct comparisons between telemedicine and in-office visits. Billing and collection financial data of the telemedicine cohort and of a separate cohort of in-office visits during the same time period were compared. The clinical competency of telemedicine visits was measured by delayed or missed diagnoses and surgical site infections that may be attributable to lack of an in-person physical examination. Overall, patients were largely satisfied with their telemedicine experience. More than 90% of patients described telemedicine as equal to or better than in-office visits regarding convenience, time, privacy, and overall quality. Patients reported that better assessment of their physical condition may be indicated, particularly in early postoperative and early sarcoma surveillance visits. Two of 64 patients had adverse events (both local recurrences) potentially attributable to lack of an in-person physical examination. Institutional financial reimbursement of telemedicine visits was comparable to that of in-office visits. These findings have supported continued use of telemedicine in our practice, particularly for patients traveling significant distance and those returning for sarcoma surveillance. However, the limitations of lack of an in-person physical examination should be considered on a case-by-case basis. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(5):274-279.].