Using bisphosphonate to reduce tumor recurrence in bone tumors

Local Bisphosphonate Effect on Recurrence Rate in Extremity Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 3 Interventional St. Louis University · NCT03295981

This study is testing if using a special bone cement with bisphosphonate during surgery can help prevent giant cell tumors in bones from coming back and improve recovery compared to regular surgery alone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSt. Louis University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsdenosumab
Locations16 sites (Los Angeles, California and 15 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03295981 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study investigates the effectiveness of local bisphosphonate delivery as a surgical adjuvant to reduce the recurrence rate of giant cell tumors of bone. The approach involves using bisphosphonate-loaded PMMA bone cement during surgery to enhance outcomes compared to traditional aggressive surgical removal. The study will also assess secondary outcomes such as pain relief, functional improvement, and complications related to the surgery. The hypothesis is that this localized treatment will lead to better results than standard intralesional curettage alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with primary benign giant cell tumors of bone located in an extremity that can be treated with intralesional curettage.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent giant cell tumors, those with lesions in non-extremity locations, or individuals who have previously received systemic bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly lower the chances of giant cell tumors returning, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of bisphosphonates in other contexts has shown promise, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in the context of giant cell tumors of bone.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary benign GCT of bone
* Lesion located in an extremity
* Lesion amenable to reconstruction (intralesional curettage) defined as having at least one intact column of bone after removal
* No previous systemic bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recurrent GCT of bone
* Non-extremity location
* Lesion too extensive for intralesional treatment, either due to bone loss, joint invasion, or large soft tissue component
* Children and pregnancy
* Previous systemic bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 15 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.