Objective To explore the effect of pyropheophorbide-a methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy (MPPa-PDT) on the apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cell line MG63 and the underlying mechanism. Methods Human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in logarithmic growth phase were divided into 4 groups: blank control group (control group), the MPPa treatment group (MPPa group), the light irradiation group (LED group), and MPPa-PDT treatment group (MPPa-PDT group). MPPa-PDT group and MPPa group were incubated with MPPa (0.75 μmol/ L) for 20 hours in dark condition; control group and LED group were incubated with equal volume of fresh medium for 20 hours in the same condition. After washing with PBS and replacement with fresh culture medium, LED group and MPPa-PDT group cells were exposed to light (4.8 J/cm2) for 120 seconds. After light exposure, all groups were cultured in dark condition again. Then cellular morphology changes were observed by an inverted phase contrast microscopy, endoplasmic reticulum morphology changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, cellular apoptosis was detected by Hoechst33258 nuclear staining, cell apoptotic rate and the levels of Ca in cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, the expression of p-PERK, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), cleaved-Caspase-12 were assayed by Western blot. Results In MPPa-PDT group, the retracted and round cells were observed; Hoechst33258 nuclear staining showed nuclear condensation, fragmentation, and other typical apoptotic morphological changes; the cell apoptotic rate (48.76%±3.54%) was significantly higher than that of control group (5.04%±0.41%), MPPa group (5.33%±0.38%), and LED group (6.48%±0.46%) (P < 0.05); the levels of Ca2+ in cells (485.29±58.77) was also significantly higher than that of control group (97.24±4.77), MPPa group (97.95±6.30), and LED group (101.17±5.26) (P < 0.05); swelling endoplasmic reticulum was observed under transmission electron microscope; the expressions of p-PERK, CHOP, and cleaved-Caspase-12 gradually increased at 1, 3, and 6 hours after treatment respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P < 0.05). There was no typical apoptotic morphological changes and endoplasmic reticulum morphological changes in control group, MPPa group, and LED group, and there was no significant difference in the above indexes among 3 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion MPPa-PDT can significantly induce apoptosis in MG63 cells. The endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway is involved in the MPPa-PDT induced apoptosis.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of the preservation of the epiphysis and joint function of the distal femur in children with osteosarcoma with epiphyseal distraction by external fixator. Methods Between July 2007 and May 2011, 6 children with osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the distal femur underwent epiphyseal distraction by external fixator, combined with tumor resection and repair with massive allograft bone transplantation to preserve the epiphysis and joint function of the distal femur. There were 4 boys and 2 girls, aged from 9 to 14 years (mean, 10.5 years). According to Enneking clinical staging, 4 cases were in stage II A and 2 cases in stage II B. According to San-Julian et al. typing for metaphyseal tumor invasion, 3 cases were in type I and 3 cases in type II. The size of tumor ranged from 6 cm × 4 cm to 12 cm × 9 cm. All patients received 2 cycles of COSS 86 chemotherapy before operation and 4 cycles after operation. Results Poor healing of incision was observed in 1 case because of rejection of allograft bone and good healing was obtained after the symptomatic treatment, healing of incision by first intention was achieved in the other children. All 6 cases were followed up 11 to 56 months (mean, 37.5 months). One case died of lung metastasis at 2 years after operation. X-ray films showed no complication of internal fixator loosening and broken or bone nonunion. According to the functional evaluation criteria of International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 3 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case; the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. The length of operated limb was (62.97 ± 7.51) cm, showing significant difference when compared with that of normal limb [(64.03 ± 7.47) cm] (t=0.246 6, P=0.813 4). Conclusion On the premise of adaptable indication, effective chemotherapy, and thoroughly tumor resection, the epiphyseal distraction by external fixator can obtain satisfactory results in limb-length and limb function in children with osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the distal femur.
Objective To investigate the possibility of using extendible distal femoral replacements in the treatment of osteosarcoma in growing individuals. Methods From December 1999 to March 2003, 3 cases (2 were typeⅡB, 1 was type ⅡA) with osteosarcoma were treated byextendible distal femoral replacements. Of the 3 cases, 2 underwent prosthesis extention operation, 1 was not operated. Results After the removal of tumor, the extremities of 2 patients were shortened by 4 to 5 cm within 2 to 3 years. After the lengthening procedure, the affected extremities were of equal length to the unaffected extremities and no drag symptoms of blood vessel and nerves were observed. Follow-up was done for 2 months to 3 years. There was no aseptic loosening. The function of joints was fairly good. Conclusion Extendible distal femoral replacements is an easy, convenient, and effective way to treat osteosarcoma.
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of integrin αvβ3 targeted microPET/CT imaging with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 as radiotracer for the detection of osteosarcoma and theranostics of osteosarcoma lung metastasis.MethodsThe 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 and 177Lu-NODAGA-RGD2 were prepared via one-step method and their stability and integrin αvβ3 binding specificity were investigated in vitro. Forty-one nude mice were injected with human MG63 osteosarcoma to established the animal model bearing subcutaneous osteosarcoma (n=21), osteosarcoma in tibia (n=5), and osteosarcoma pulmonary metastatic (n=15). The microPET-CT imaging was carried out in 3 animal models at 1 hour after tail vein injection of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2. Biodistribution study of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 was performed in animal model bearing subcutaneous osteosarcoma at 10, 60, and 120 minutes. The animal model bearing pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma was injected with 177Lu-NODAGA-RGD2 at 7 weeks after model establishment to observe the therapeutic effect of pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma. Histological and immunohistochemistry examinations were also done to confirm the establishment of animal model and integrin β3 expression in animal models bearing subcutaneous osteosarcoma and bearing pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma.Results68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 and 177Lu-NODAGA-RGD2 had good stability in vitro with the 50% inhibitory concentration value of (5.0±1.1) and (6.5±0.8) nmol/L, respectively. The radiochemical purity of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 at 1, 4, and 8 hours was 98.5%±0.3%, 98.3%±0.5%, and 97.9%±0.4%; while the radiochemical purity of 177Lu-NODAGA-RGD2 at 1, 7, and 14 days was 99.3%±0.7%, 98.7%±1.2%, and 96.0%±2.8%. 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 microPET-CT showed that the accumulation of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 in animal models bearing subcutaneous osteosarcoma and osteosarcoma in tibia and in lung metastasis as small as 1-2 mm in diameter of animal model bearing pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma. Biodistribution study of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 in animal model bearing subcutaneous osteosarcoma revealed rapid clearance from blood with tumor peak uptake of (3.85±0.84) %ID/g at 120 minutes. The distribution of 177Lu-NODAGA-RGD2 in lung metastasis was similar with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2. The number and size of osteosarcoma metastasis decreased at 2 weeks after 177Lu-NODAGA-RGD2 administration and integrin targeting specificity was confirmed by pathology examination.Conclusion68Ga-NODAGA-RGD2 was potential for positive imaging and early detection of osteosarcoma and metastasis. Targeted radiotherapy with 177Lu-NODAGA-RGD2 was one potential alternative for osteosarcoma lung metastasis.
Objective To investigate the effect of limb salvage on treating osteosarcoma with pathological fracture. Methods From October 2002 to January 2003, 2 cases of osteosarcoma with pathological fracture were treated by limb salvage. Intraarterial chemotherapy was given by subcutaneous implantable delivery system with caffeine. Replacement with prosthesis was performed after 5 times of chemotherapy. Results Two patients were followed up for twenty-four months and 21 months respectively. No infection, aseptic loosening, local recurrence or metastasis occurred, and function recovery of joints was satisfactory. Conclusion Limb salvage can be considered in condition that primary osteosarcoma with pathological fracture can be treated by effective and comprehensive chemotherapy.
As the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, osteosarcoma has the characteristics of high malignancy, easy metastasis and poor prognosis. The recurrence, metastasis and multi-drug resistance of osteosarcoma are the main problems that limit the therapeutic effect and survival rate of osteosarcoma. Among them, lung metastasis is often the main target organ for distant metastasis of osteosarcoma. In recent years, people have paid attention to the signaling pathway of the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma and made in-depth studies on its mechanism. A variety of relevant signaling pathways have been constantly clarified. At present, there is still a lack of systematic and multi-directional exploration and summary on the signaling pathway related to the pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma. This paper explores the new direction of targeted therapy for osteosarcoma by elucidating the relationship between the signaling pathway associated with osteosarcoma and the pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma.
Objective To evaluate the relationship of systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) with the clinical features and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Methods The clinical data of patients with osteosarcoma surgically treated in Fuzhou Second Hospital between January 2012 and December 2017 were retrospectively collected. The preoperative SII value was calculated, which was defined as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte count. The best critical value of SII was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the relationship between SII and clinical features of patients was analyzed by χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were used to study the effect of SII on overall survival (OS). The nomogram prediction model was established according to the independent risk factors of patients’ prognosis. Results A total of 108 patients with osteosarcoma were included in this study. Preoperative high SII was significantly correlated with tumor diameter, Enneking stage, local recurrence and metastasis (P<0.05). The median follow-up time was 62 months. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of the low SII group were significantly higher than those of the high SII group (100.0%, 96.4%, 85.1% vs. 95.4%, 73.7%, 30.7%), and the survival of the two groups were statistically different (P<0.05). Univariate Cox regression analyses showed that tumor diameter, Enneking stage, local recurrence, metastasis and SII were associated with OS (P<0.05). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that Enneking stage (P=0.031), local recurrence (P=0.035) and SII (P=0.001) were independent risk factors of OS. The nomogram constructed according to the independent risk factors screened by the Cox regression model had good discrimination and consistency (C-index=0.774), and the calibration curve showed that the nomogram had a high consistency with the actual results. In addition, the ROC curve indicated that the nomogram had a good prediction efficiency (area under the curve=0.880). Conclusions The preoperative SII level is expected to become an important prognostic parameter for patients with osteosarcoma. The higher the SII level is, the worse the prognosis of patients will be. The nomogram prediction model built on preoperative SII level, Enneking stage and local recurrence has a good prediction efficiency, and can be used to guide the diagnosis and treatment of clinical osteosarcoma.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and technical key points of limb salvage surgery by allotransplantation of cryopreservated vascularized bone in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 21 children and adolescents with osteosarcoma receiving limb salvage surgery by allotransplantation of cryopreservated vascularized bone from their relatives between February 2004 and April 2012. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged from 7 to 16 years (mean, 12.6 years). According to Enneking stage system, 15 cases were rated as stage ⅡA and 6 cases as stage ⅡB. The tumors located at the distal femur in 10 cases, at the proximal femur in 1 case, at the proximal tibia in 8 cases, at the proximal humerus in 1 case, and at the distal radius in 1 case. Imaging examination showed that epiphyseal extension of malignant bone tumors in 7 cases. The iliac bone allograft with deep iliac vessels was obtained from their lineal consanguinity. After preservation by a twostep freezing schedule, the iliac bone allograft with deep iliac vessels was implanted into the bone defect area after tumor resection. The size of iliac bone flap was 8.0 cm×3.0 cm×2.0 cm-14.0 cm×5.0 cm×2.5 cm. Reserved joint surgery was performed on 16 cases and joint fusion surgery on 5 cases, and external fixation was used in all cases. The chemotherapy was given according to sequential high-dose methotraxate, adriamycin, and cisplatine before and after operation. ResultsAll 21 cases were followed up from 5 months to 11 years (mean, 6.4 years). At 2 weeks after operation, the erythrocyte rosette forming cells accounted for 56.7%±3.9%, showing no significant difference when compared with that of normal control (58.3%±4.3%) (t=1.56, P=0.13), which suggested no acute rejection. At 4 weeks after operation, single photon emission computerized tomography bone scan indicated that the blood supply of bone graft was rich, and the metabolism was active. At 12 weeks after operation, the digital subtraction angiography showed the artery of iliac bone flap kept patency. X-ray films showed that malunion and non-union occurred at 5 and 6 months after operation in 1 case, respectively. The bone graft healed in the other patients, and the healing time was 3.2-6.0 months (mean, 4.4 months). At last follow-up, American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was significantly improved to 26.80±2.14 from preoperative value (17.15±1.86) (t=-4.15, P=0.00). The survival rate was 85.7% (18/21) and the recurrence rate was 9.5% (2/21). ConclusionAllotransplantation of cryopreservated vascularized bone from the relatives provides a new method for the treatment of osteosarcoma in children and adolescents. A combination of allotransplantation and chemotherapy can achieve the ideal treatment effect. The correct cutting, preservation, and transplantation of the donor bone, and indication are the key to improve the effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of ErbB3 and Flotillin-2 in osteosarcoma biopsies and possible clinical pathology significance. MethodsThe tissue biopsies were harvested from 38 osteosarcoma patients and 13 osteochondroma patients between September 2009 and March 2014 for immunohistochemical staining. The ErbB3 and Flotillin-2 expressions were observed in osteosarcoma and osteochondroma biopsies, and the correlation and the relationship to the clinical and pathological features were analyzed. ResultsThe expression levels of ErbB3 and Flotillin-2 in osteosarcoma were significantly higher than those in osteochondroma (P<0.05). The high expressions of ErbB3 and Flotillin-2 had good consistency in osteosarcoma (Kappa=0.434, P=0.000). The high expression of ErbB3 was positively correlated to the clinical stages and lung metastasis (P<0.05), but it was not associated with gender, age, tumor location, and size (P>0.05). The high expression of Flotillin-2 had no correlation with clinical and pathological features (P>0.05). The influence factors of patients' overall survival included clinical stages, lung metastasis, high expression of ErbB3, and tumor size (P<0.05). Only lung metastasis and high expression of ErbB3 were independent factor affecting overall survival (P<0.05). ConclusionThe ErbB3 and Flotillin-2 express highly in osteosarcoma and the high expression has good consisitency. Besides, the high expression of ErbB3 is associated with the clinical stages and lung metastasis, indicating a poor prognosis for osteosarcoma.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of artificial hemi-knee prosthesis reconstruction for bone defects after resection of pediatric osteosarcoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 18 children with osteosarcoma who met the selection criteria and were treated between January 2016 and December 2019. There were 11 males and 7 females, aged 6-10 years (mean, 8.9 years). Osteosarcoma located in the distal femur in 11 cases and the proximal tibia in 7 cases. Among them, 12 cases were conventional osteosarcoma and 6 cases were small cell osteosarcoma, with a disease duration of 1-9 months (mean, 3.1 months). All patients received 2 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy with doxorubicin, cisplatin, and ifosfamide. After en bloc tumor segment resection, bone defects were reconstructed using custom-made artificial hemi-knee prostheses. Rehabilitation training was initiated at 8 weeks postoperatively under the protection of a knee immobilizer brace, combined with 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. During follow-up, lower limb growth length and limb shortening (compared with the healthy side) were measured, and limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society-93 (MSTS-93) scoring system. Results All surgeries were successfully completed, with an operation time of 2.0-3.1 hours (mean, 2.4 hours) and intraoperative blood loss of 180-320 mL (mean, 230.0 mL). Incisional edge necrosis occurred in 1 case at 10 days postoperatively, while the incisions of the remaining 17 patients healed by first intention. One case developed periprosthetic infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus at 1 week postoperatively, which was cured after symptomatic treatment. All 18 patients were followed up 60-96 months (mean, 74.2 months). No local tumor recurrence was observed during follow-up. Imaging examinations showed prosthesis loosening in 2 cases, while the prosthesis of other patients were well-positioned. At last follow-up, the knee joint range of motion was 80°-120° (mean, 106.7°). The MSTS-93 score was 16-29 (mean, 24.7), with 12 cases rated as excellent, 5 good, and 1 fair. The patients’ height increased by 12.8-20.0 cm (mean, 15.5 cm), the lower limb growth length was 6.0-13.0 cm (mean, 9.7 cm), and limb shortening was 1.8-4.6 cm (mean, 3.1 cm). There was no significant difference in MSTS-93 scores, lower limb growth length, or limb shortening between the distal femur group and the proximal tibia group (P>0.05). Conclusion Artificial hemi-knee prosthesis reconstruction can preserve the adjacent normal epiphysis of the knee joint, maximize limb growth potential, and reduce adult limb length discrepancy, making it a suitable reconstruction option for children with knee osteosarcoma.