Denosumab Treatment for Giant Cell Tumors, Aneurysmal Bone Cysts, and Fibrous Dysplasia-Risks and Benefits.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

This review summarizes current understanding of the role of denosumab, an inhibitor of receptor activator of nuclear kappa-B ligand (RANKL), in the management of 3 skeletal neoplasms: giant cell tumors, aneurysmal bone cysts, and fibrous dysplasia.

RECENT FINDINGS:

A growing body of literature supports denosumab use in giant cell tumors, a neoplasm in which RANKL plays a clear pathogenic role. Comparatively less data is available in aneurysmal bone cysts and fibrous dysplasia; however, the pathogenic similarity of these disorders to giant cell tumors, as well as encouraging preliminary data, suggests denosumab may be useful. Denosumab's inhibitory effects on bone turnover are fully reversible after drug discontinuation. This raises important unanswered questions for clinical management, including potential risks of tumor recurrence and bone turnover rebound. Denosumab is a promising potential treatment for skeletal neoplasms. However, its clinical use is impacted by ongoing safety concerns related to postdiscontinuation rebound, particularly in children. There is a critical need to understand denosumab treatment and discontinuation effects on tumor recurrence and to develop strategies for long-term treatment in patients who cannot be managed surgically.

• Authors: Kristen S Pan, Alison M Boyce
• Journal: Current osteoporosis reports (Curr Osteoporos Rep) Vol. 19 Issue 2 Pg. 141-150 (04 2021) ISSN: 1544-2241 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 33616817 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Review)

Chemical References

• Bone Density Conservation Agents
• Denosumab

Topics

• Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal (drug therapy)
• Bone Density Conservation Agents (therapeutic use)
• Bone Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Denosumab (therapeutic use)
• Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone (drug therapy)
• Giant Cell Tumor of Bone (drug therapy)
• Humans