Giant Cell Rich Malignancies: A Meta-analysis

Author(s):

Mitchell Ray Gore*

Background: The presence of osteoclast-like giant cells in malignant tumors is a rare finding. Giant cell rich histology can be seen in both benign and malignant tumors and can be found in diverse sites from the skeleton to the head and neck to the viscera. The rarity of these tumors makes their identification and treatment a dilemma. Materials and methods: A meta-analysis of 43 case reports and case series was conducted from studies from 1989-2018, totaling 82 patients. Data on demographics, survival, stage, site, and histopathology was compiled and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis/log-rank and logistical regression. Results: Giant cell rich osteosarcoma was the most common histopathological type, and limb was the most common site. On univariate analysis histopathological type, site, treatment type, and AJCC, T, N, and M stage were found to significantly affect survival, while on multivariate analysis only histopathological type was found to be significant. Conclusions: Giant cell rich malignancies are rare and can affect diverse sites. Lower stage, treatment type, histopathological type, and primary site significantly affect survival in these uncommon cancers.