Clinicopathological correlations and prognostic insights in osteosarcoma: a retrospective analysis

Vol. 65 No. 4, 2024

ROMANIAN JOURNAL of MORPHOLOGY and EMBRYOLOGY

Stefan Adrian Niculescu, Alexandru Florian Grecu, Alex Emilian Stepan, Madalina Iuliana Musat, Aritina-Elvira Morosanu, Tudor Adrian Balseanu, Michael Hadjiargyrou, Dan Cristian Grecu

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary bone malignancy, predominantly affecting adolescents and young adults, and presents significant clinical challenges due to its aggressive nature and high potential for metastasis. This retrospective study analyzed 34 cases of primary OS, aged 10 to 65 years, to identify clinicopathological correlations that could inform future research and treatment strategies. The findings aim to guide larger cohort studies, essential for validating these correlations and developing tailored approaches that enhance patient outcomes. The analysis focused on demographic factors, sex, tumor grade, stage, size, and histological subtype, utilizing criteria established by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The results revealed a predominance of the disease in males under 25 years of age, with the femur being the most common site of occurrence. Conventional osteoblastic OS emerged as the most frequent subtype, accounting for 50% of the cases, predominantly presenting as high-grade (G3) tumors. Over 70% of the tumors were T1 in extension (<=8 cm) and classified as stage IIA, indicating a locally advanced disease state. Correlations were observed between histological type, grade, and stage, underscoring the importance of detailed histopathological (HP) assessments in determining prognosis and guiding treatment. The findings highlight correlations between histological subtype, grade, and stage, reaffirming the critical role of detailed HP assessments in prognosis and treatment planning. While the limited sample size necessitates cautious interpretation, this study provides valuable regional and age-specific insights that could inform clinical decision-making. Future research should prioritize multi-center studies and delve into the genetic and molecular underpinnings of OS subtypes to enhance understanding and develop targeted therapies.

Corresponding author: Aritina-Elvira Morosanu, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: aritina.morosanu@umfcv.ro; Tudor Adrian Balseanu, Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: adrian.balseanu@umfcv.ro

DOI: 10.47162/RJME.65.4.19 Download PDF
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