Should Denosumab or Radical Surgery Be Recommended for a Spinal Giant Cell Tumour in a Fertile Female?

Giant cell tumour (GCT) of the spine is a benign aggressive tumour with high recurrence rates. Patients can be asymptomatic due to the slow growth rate and present with localized pain or neurological dysfunction. Current management strategies include intralesional curettage, total en-bloc resection (TER) and denosumab therapy. Treatment strategies can be particularly challenging in women of childbearing age who wish to conceive, as the risks of tumour recurrence need to be balanced against the fetal complications associated with adjuvant denosumab therapy. This case report discusses the management options and controversies for women of childbearing age with GCT of the thoracic spine. Clinicians need to be aware of the complications associated with TER and denosumab treatment when managing GCTs of the spine in young females.