Chondrosarcoma of bone: analysis of 108 cases and evaluation for predictors of outcome

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common malignant bone tumor and is relatively unresponsive to chemotherapy and radiation regimens. In addition, the clinical course of chondrosarcoma is difficult to predict. The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experience with chondrosarcoma and ascertain any factors related to prognosis and clinical outcome. The medical records of 108 patients followed up for a minimum of 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. There were 31 low-grade and 77 high-grade chondrosarcomas. One hundred one patients underwent surgical resection. There was a statistically significant association between positive margins and local recurrence, metastasis, and death. Tumor grade was not predictive of outcome. Proliferation indices (MIB-1 expression determination through immunohistochemistry) were quantitated in 39 patients. A significant association was seen between MIB-1 expression and recurrence and death. Thus, objective quantitation of tumor proliferation was more predictive than was histologic grade of outcome in chondrosarcoma. Although histologic grade continues to be the standard grading system for chondrosarcoma, the current study contributes to ongoing research and validation of alternative techniques that may be more reliable in guiding prognosis and treatment of chondrosarcoma.