European journal of cancer : official journal for European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) [and] European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
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Giant cell tumour of the bone (GCTB) is an aggressive osteolytic primary tumour. GCTB is rich in osteoclast-like giant cells and contains mononuclear cells that express RANK ligand (RANKL), a key mediator of osteoclast activation. The potential therapeutic effect of denosumab was investigated with special reference to its role in joint preservation. ⋯ Denosumab provides favourable and consistent clinical, radiographic and pathologic responses which facilitates less aggressive surgical treatment, especially joint preservation. However, the local recurrence rate for GCTB following resection does not seem to be affected by denosumab and remains a concern.