Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone - A retrospective EMSOS study of 125 cases

In an effort to learn more about malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of bo ne and its prognosis with different treatment approaches, the European Musc ulo-Skeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS) initiated a retrospective survey amon g its members, Data requested included patient and treatment variables and outcome. The information on all patients with histologically proven, primar y, localized osseous extremity MFH was analyzed if surgical tumor removal w as performed and disease status was documented for at least one follow-up d ate. 125 such patients were evaluable (74 male, 51 female; median age 34 ye ars; tumor site femur 81, tibia 26, humerus 12, other 6), Local treatment w as surgery only (110) or surgery plus radiotherapy (15). Chemotherapy was u sed in 97/125. On last follow-up, 85 patients remained in remission, 33 had developed metastases, 6 a local recurrence, and 1 a combined relapse. With a median follow-up of 3.9 years for patients at risk, actuarial 5-year dis ease-free survival was 59%. In univariate analyses, younger age and the use of chemotherapy were associated with a more favorable outcome, as was limb -salvage surgery. 23 of 66 tumors with information on response to preoperat ive chemotherapy responded well (> 90% necrosis). Among these 23, only one relapsed.