Denosumab in Giant Cell Rich Tumors of Bone: An Open-Label Multicenter Phase II Study

BACKGROUND: Since giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) and other giant cell rich tumors of bone (GCRTB) share the histological presence of osteoclastic giant cells and expression of RANK/RANKL, we hypothesized that GCRTB will respond similarly to denosumab as GCTB. The primary objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of denosumab in patients with GCRTB that have recurred or require morbid surgery. METHODS: In this open-label, multicenter, phase II trial, patients with GCRTB were included (June 2018-March 2020). Recruitment was stopped because of low accrual. Patients received denosumab (120 mg) subcutaneously (SC) on day 1 of every 4-week cycle with a loading dose of 120 mg SC on days 8 and 15. RESULTS: Three patients were enrolled. One withdrew consent before start of study. The remaining patients had central giant cell granuloma of the jawbone (CGCG). Median treatment duration was 15 cycles (range 12-18). In both subjects, improvement in ossification of lesions was seen. Median follow-up was 28.5 months (range 20-37). One patient developed a recurrence for which surgery was performed. CONCLUSION: Due to critical emerging real-world data of denosumab in GCRTBs, the study was prematurely stopped and not supportive of use of denosumab for this indication. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03605199).