Chemotherapy of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone (MFHB) is a rare tumour with a 3 year survival of 30%-40% when treated with surgery alone. A small number of patients have previously been treated with pre-operative chemotherapy and responses observed. The aim of the present study was to further determine the response of MFHB to pre-operative chemotherapy.

A non-randomised study of 18 patients with MFHB. Twelve had localised disease and 6 had pulmonary metastases. In 14 patients pre-operative treatment consisted of methotrexate 8 g/m2 on day 1, ifosfamide 3 g/m2 and doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 on day 10. This regimen was given twice and twice post-operatively. A further 4 patients received cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1 and doxorubicin 25 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, 3. Three cycles were given pre- and post-operatively.

15 patients had surgery after chemotherapy. Tumour necrosis was present in all resection specimens and ranged from 50%-100%. 7/15 had > 90% necrosis. Disease free survival is 82% for those patients with a greater than 2 year follow-up.

This study confirms previous reports that MFHB is a chemosensitive tumour. In view of its rarity collaborative trials are needed to establish the optimum drug treatment including drug selection dose and duration.