[Denosumab as a treatment for giant cell tumor of bone. Indications, results and side effects]

Giant cell tumor of bone is an intermediate, locally aggressive and rarely metastasizing, primary bone neoplasia. In recent years denosumab emerged as a treatment alternative for this pathology. The objective of this work was to analyze its indications as well as the clinical outcomes, side effects and local recurrence rates in patients diagnosed with giant cell tumor of bone, who received denosumab as neoadjuvant treatment. Between 2010 and 2018, 80 patients with giant cell tumor were analyzed, of whom 14 received denosumab as a neoadjuvant treatment. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. In 8 patients it was a primary tumor, while 6 showed tumor recurrence. In all cases, clinical improvement was evident. Thirteen patients presented radiographic changes, and 11 showed complete histological response. A local recurrence was evidenced in 6 of 14 patients, and at least one adverse effect related to denosumab (including tumor malignancy) was identified in 7. Despite being a useful tool for treating giant cell tumor, the use of denosumab is associated with a higher rate of local recurrences and is not free of adverse effects.