Histological assessment of extensive or unresectable central giant cell granulomas treated with denosumab: a case...

The management of large central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) can pose a significant surgical challenge. In such circumstances, the use of denosumab has been proposed with the literature reporting varying degrees of success. Histopathological assessment of CGCG post-denosumab treatment remains unknown. The current case series aims to address this lack of information and supplement the literature and the debate with evidence.

The current case series is a retrospective review of historic cases accumulated from 3 different hospitals. Patients treated with denosumab for large or unresectable GCGC who subsequently underwent either surgical debulk or resection post drug treatment with histological tissue for assessment were included.

A total of 4 patients were included in this study. All cases showed radiographic response. However histological assessment identified giant cells in 3 of the 4 cases, 2 of which showed clinical recurrence. All cases demonstrated irregular woven bone formation toward the periphery of the lesion suggesting partial response.

The current case series provides some insight regarding the response of CGCG to denosumab and preliminary histopathological information toward the ongoing debate regarding the medical management of CGCG. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol YEAR;VOL:page range).