Primary osteosarcoma in elderly patients: A report of three cases

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor in children and young adults. However, primary osteosarcoma in elderly patients is rare. The present study reports 3 cases of advanced osteosarcoma in elderly patients. The pathological findings in all 3 cases confirmed the diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma. Notably, each patient received different treatment options. Chemoradiotherapy was recommended in case 1 due to the age of the patient. However, the patient requested to be discharged and was lost to follow-up. Conversely, in case 2, the 62-year-old female patient underwent systemic chemotherapy, but no surgical treatment, and in case 3, the 51-year-old male patient underwent complete tumor resection and received systemic chemotherapy for late tumor recurrence. Early diagnosis of osteosarcoma in elderly patients is difficult, and misdiagnosis or a missed diagnosis is common. In clinical practice, bone tumors in elderly patients should be investigated carefully. Imaging examinations are essential for diagnosis, and biopsy is required for confirmation. However, the efficacy of chemotherapy for elderly patients with primary osteosarcoma remains uncertain. Collectively, due to the small number of reports of osteosarcoma in the elderly population, the 3 cases in the present study raise awareness of this rare condition.

Introduction

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant tumor of the skeleton characterized by direct formation of bone or bone-like tissue by tumor cells (1,2). Osteosarcoma predominantly occurs in adolescents and is the most common type of primary bone tumor, with an annual incidence of 1–3 cases per million individuals, accounting for ~0.2% of malignant tumors and ~15% of primary bone tumors (3–6). The most common sites for tumor development are the long bones, typically the distal femur or proximal humerus; manifestation at other sites is rare (7,8). Hematogenous metastasis occurs early and has a high incidence, rapid progression, high mortality and is difficult to treat (9,10). Therefore, in recent years, the study of osteosarcoma has become an important issue in the medical community (11).

The age of onset of osteosarcoma has two peaks. The first peak is in children and adolescents aged 10–20 years, accounting for 60% of all cases of osteosarcoma; the second peak is in adults aged >40 years, accounting for 13% of all osteosarcomas (12). There are a number of studies on osteosarcoma in children and adolescents. When osteosarcoma occurs in patients aged >40 years, it is usually considered to be secondary to Paget's disease of bone or irradiated bone lesions (13); thus, primary osteosarcoma in older adults is rare. Previous studies have concluded that patients with osteosarcoma have a worse prognosis with increasing age (14,15). Since 2007, 198 primary osteosarcomas have been diagnosed and treated in the Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, (Nanchang, Jiangxi, China). The number of patients aged >50 years is <8, including the 3 elderly patients described in the present report. Currently, there are no reports of a patient aged >79 years with a diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma. In the present study, the clinical characteristics, imaging and pathological findings, diagnosis and treatment of 3 cases of adult and elderly patients with primary osteosarcoma are discussed. The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University ethical review committee approved the present study, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients.

Case report

Case 1

In December 2017, a 79-year-old Chinese female retired worker (height, 155 cm; weight, 45 kg) visited the Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University outpatient clinic with a 1-month history of pain in the left groin that was relieved following rest. The pain did not bother the patient at that time, but it had increased in the previous week. The patient had no history of injuries or illnesses, and no relevant family history. Physical examination revealed that the skin around the left inguinal region was tender to the touch, but displayed no redness, varicose veins or hyperpigmentation. The left lower extremity motion and sensation were within normal limits. There was no obvious abnormality in the other extremities.

During laboratory examination, the following levels were detected: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 85 mm/h; C-reactive protein level, 25.20 mg/ml; serum alkaline phosphatase level, 214 units/l; carbohydrate antigen 724 level, 24.35 units/ml; and squamous cell carcinoma-associated antigen level, 3.19 ng/ml; all of which were higher than the normal ranges (0–20 mm/h, 0–8 mg/ml, 50–135 units/l, 0–6.9 units/ml, and 0–2.5 ng/ml, respectively). Radiography revealed bony changes of the upper left suprapubic branch, ischium and acetabulum (Fig. 1A). CT demonstrated irregular bone destruction of the left acetabulum and ischium, adjacent soft tissue swelling, and a visible shadow. The soft tissue mass measured approximately 6.9×4.0 cm and had an ill-defined boundary. There were plaque-like, cloud-shaped, needle-like, high-density shadows in the left hip joint, but no obvious abnormalities in the right hip joint (Fig. 1B). A whole body bone scan revealed increased bone metabolism in the left acetabulum, ischium, and femoral head, which was attributed to a malignant bone lesion. Increased bone metabolism in the fourth and fifth ribs and T8 vertebra was also observed (Fig. 1C).

Figure 1.

Case 1: (A) X-ray revealed bony changes in the upper left suprapubic branch, ischium and acetabulum; (B) CT demonstrated irregular bone destruction of the left acetabulum and ischium and adjacent soft tissue swelling; (C) A whole body bone scan revealed increased bone metabolism in the left acetabulum, ischium, femoral head, left fourth and fifth ribs and T8 vertebra. Case 2: CT demonstrates a soft tissue mass shadow and a bony mass shadow attached to the surface of the bone at the distal end of the left femur. (D) Coronal view. (E) Transverse view. (F) Increased bone metabolism at the distal end of the left femur. (G) MRI of the distal femur shows irregular bone destruction with an abnormal signal shadow. Case 3: (H) X-ray shows that after left artificial hip joint replacement, a soft tissue mass shadow is visible in the upper left femur; (I) A whole body bone scan revealed increased bone metabolism in the left upper femur.

Using hematoxylin and eosin staining, the left ilium bone tumor revealed heterogeneous cells diffusely distributed between trabecular bone. In a fragment of fibrous tissue and muscle tissue, oval-shaped tumor cells with large nuclei were distributed in patches and karyolysis was present. The tumor cells had an invasive growth pattern (Fig. 2A and B). Taking into account the age and poor physical status of the patient, chemoradiotherapy was recommended. However, the patient and the patients' family did not wish to continue treatment and requested to be discharged. The patient was discharged 2 weeks after admission and was lost to follow-up.

Figure 2.

Post-operative histological observations. (A and B) Case 1, diffuse distribution of tumor cells between the trabecular bone and tumor cells in fibrous tissue and muscle tissue are distributed in patches and reveal infiltrating growth (A, HE staining; magnification, ×100; B, HE staining; magnification, ×200). (C and D) Case 2, spindle cells in the tissue proliferating in bundles or weave patterns, adherent peripheral osteoblasts, and calcification were observed (HE staining; magnification, ×100). (E and F) Case 3, a large number of irregular bone-like structures are arranged in trabecular or reticulated patterns, and damaged bone tissue and immature cartilage (HE staining; magnification, ×100). HE, hematoxylin and eosin.

Case 2

In November 2016, a 62-year-old Chinese female farmer (height, 157 cm; weight, 48 kg) presented with a left femoral mass of uncertain etiology and pain in the left lower extremity had been experienced for 2 months. The patient was admitted at a The First People's Hospital of Xiaoshan City (Xiaoshan, China), and a diagnosis of osteomyelitis was considered. The patient was admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University for further treatment. The patient had no previous medical history.

The patient had no history of injury, past medical illnesses or family history that were associated with disease. Physical examination revealed a 10×5×5 cm hard mass of the distal left femur; there was no obvious redness or ulceration in the adjacent skin. There was also no significant limitation in the activity level of the patient and no neurovascular defects in the lower limbs.

Routine laboratory testing revealed a neuron-specific enolase level of 24.26 units/ml (normal range, 0–16.3 units/ml) and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 26 mm/h (normal range, 0–20 mm/h). Radiography performed at the local hospital revealed a low-density shadow at the distal end of the left femur. CT demonstrated a soft tissue mass shadow and a bony mass shadow attached to the surface of the bone at the distal left femur (Fig. 1D and E). Enhanced MRI revealed an area of irregular bone destruction in the distal femur, and an abnormal signal shadow was observed (Fig. 1G). A whole body bone scan revealed a cluster of lesions at the distal end of the left femur (Fig. 1F).

Using hematoxylin and eosin staining, the left femur bone biopsy revealed proliferating spindle cells in bundles or braids. The tumor cells had lightly stained cytoplasm, oval nuclei and no nuclear division. A red-stained matrix was visible, peripheral osteoblasts were adhered to adjacent structures and areas of calcification were observed (Fig. 2C and D). The patient received two cycles of local arterial perfusion as follows: Cisplatin (DDP) was administered at a dose of 120 mg on day 1, and the regimen was repeated every 14 days. After 3 months, the patient was given six cycles of DDP (120 mg) once daily for 1 day as systemic intravenous chemotherapy; 20 mg doxorubicin once daily for 3 days, after 2 weeks of 2 g isophosphate for 5 days. After 2 weeks, the cycle was repeated. At the follow-up 2.5 years after surgery, there was no significant pain in the left lower extremity and no evidence of local or distant recurrence following chemotherapy.

Case 3

In March 2013, a 51-year-old Chinese male teacher (height, 168 cm; weight, 56 kg) sustained a left femoral neck fracture due to a fall and underwent left total hip arthroplasty in Xinjian County People's Hospital (Nanchang, China). The postoperative recovery of the patient was unremarkable. However, at 2 years after surgery, the patient developed left hip pain of unclear etiology with limited mobility. Due to the marked increase in pain and limited mobility, the patient presented to the Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University for further treatment and was admitted in October 2015. The patient had no history of allergies or related family history. Postoperative physical examination revealed a 15-cm healing scar on the left hip, tenderness of the left femoral trochanter, elevated local skin temperature, no redness of the skin, limited left hip joint activity and normal left knee joint activity. There were no obvious abnormalities of the muscles and muscle tone of the lower limbs. There was also no significant recent change in the weight of the patient.

Routine laboratory testing revealed a serum alkaline phosphatase level of 785 units/l (normal range, 50–135 units/l) and a C-reactive protein level of 10.8 mg/ml (normal range, 0–8 mg/l), while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and tumor markers (including α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 12-5, carbohydrate antigen 15-3 and carbohydrate antigen 19-9) were within the normal ranges. Radiography observed the artificial hip joint replacement on the left side, as well as a soft tissue mass shadow visible in the upper left femur, which suggested malignancy (Fig. 1H). A whole body bone scan revealed concentrated foci in the left upper femur and the left knee joint, which were suggestive of ipsilateral metastasis (Fig. 1I). The patient was initially diagnosed with bone metastasis.

Following routine preoperative assessment, continuous spinal dural anesthesia was used, and the patient was placed in the right lateral position. Following the extension of the original surgical incision, the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial fascia were dissected layer by layer; subsequently, the fascia was opened, and the muscle fibers of the gluteus maximus were dissected to reveal the proximal femur. The original femoral prosthesis was removed, and upper femoral bone destruction was visualized. In the surgical field of view, the tumor appeared similar to the flesh of a fish and invaded the surrounding soft tissue, with ill-defined margins. Moreover, intraoperative cryosectioning revealed malignant tumor cells. Subsequently, granulation tissue within the medullary cavity, the surrounding tumor tissue, and the surrounding affected muscle tissue were completely removed. Subsequently, a customized tumor prosthesis was implanted into the medullary canal and fixed with bone cement. As the original acetabular cup was tilted backward, polyethylene was added to the trailing edge to prevent dislocation. Following resetting of the cup, the hip joint was examined for completeness and satisfactory mobility. Finally, the wound was soaked in distilled water, and was repeatedly washed with hydrogen peroxide and physiological saline. A drainage tube was placed under the muscle layer, the fascia was sutured, and the incision was closed layer by layer.

Histological examination [with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining] of the tumor from the left proximal femur revealed irregular, bone-like tissues arranged in a trabecular or mesh shape. The tumor cells revealed large deeply stained nuclei, abundant red-stained or translucent cytoplasm, and a large number of giant tumor cells. In some areas, fragments of bone tissue and immature cartilage tissue were visualized (Fig. 2E and F). Based on the medical history of the patient, the imaging and laboratory findings, and the pathological results, the final diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma of the proximal left femur was established.

Postoperatively, adjuvant chemotherapy was recommended. However, the patient and the patient's family declined treatment and requested discharge, but agreed to follow-up. The patient revealed no signs of recurrence within 3 months after surgery and no signs of distant metastasis. However, 6 months after surgery, the patient revealed evidence of tumor recurrence on the postoperative follow-up imaging examination (Fig. 3). The patient received a combination of gemcitabine/docetaxel as follows: 900 mg/m² gemcitabine on days 1 and 8, and 120 mg/m² docetaxel on day 8. The regimen was repeated every 3 weeks, and although the patient continued to be treated for 6 months, the left hip pain of this patient did not improve following chemotherapy, and the activity was limited.

Figure 3.

X-ray or CT imaging data at patient follow-up in case 3.

Discussion

The majority of studies on the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma have focused on adolescents. Osteosarcoma at other ages is rarely discussed, with the exception of osteosarcoma secondary to Paget's disease (0.2% of osteosarcomas) (16) or following radiotherapy (17). In the present study, the records of 3 patients with primary osteosarcoma >50 years of age and treated in the Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were reviewed, in order to demonstrate the clinical features and prognostic factors of this disease.

The diagnosis of osteosarcoma is based on the combination of clinical, radiography and pathological results. Pathological confirmation of the formation of osteoid tissue and/or bone by tumor cells is key to the diagnosis. Various unusual histological subtypes were more common in these 3 older patients compared with that in younger patients, and fibroblasts and chondrocyte subtypes were observed in addition to the conventional subtypes of osteoblasts. However, early diagnosis of osteosarcoma in older patients is difficult, and misdiagnosis or a missed diagnosis is common (15). This may be associated with the following factors: i) The incidence of osteosarcoma in elderly individuals is extremely rare (18,19); ii) osteosarcoma in elderly individuals can be confused with osteoarthropathy (15); iii) following the discovery of lesions, clinicians tend to focus on bone metastases and other primary tumors that occur more commonly in elderly individuals (20). For example, chondrosarcoma occurs predominantly in the elderly (21). In some cases, focal ossification can be visualized under the microscope; this feature is similar to that observed for osteosarcoma (2). However, intraosseous ossification of chondrosarcoma appears as trabecular bone in a background of cartilage (22). In addition, residual chondrocytes are observed in trabecular bone, as well as around the stroma (23).

A key finding detected by light microscopy is the absence of tumor osteogenesis in chondrosarcoma (24). For metastatic cancer, the primary lesion should be identified, and the corresponding clinical manifestations and histopathological features should be linked with the bone tumor. Although malignant fibrous histiocytoma is more common in the soft tissues, it can also occur in bone in elderly populations. In these cases, it is easy to distinguish osteosarcoma from malignant fibrous histiocytoma based on imaging and pathological findings. Previous reports have focused on osteosarcoma in children and adolescents; however, osteosarcoma is often secondary to Paget's disease in elderly patients (12,25). In Western populations, secondary primary osteosarcoma accounts for a large proportion of elderly patients with osteosarcoma, usually due to Paget's disease, benign bone disease or radiation complications (26,27). No patients with primary osteosarcoma had Paget's disease in the present study. Histologically, poor cell differentiation, obvious polymorphism, large nuclei, irregularity and matrix sclerosis were observed. However, in these 3 patients, there was a large volume of immature or mature bone-like stroma between the tumor cells, which is very different from the appearance of osteosarcoma secondary to Paget's disease. As the majority of patients with Paget's disease have no obvious symptoms, when osteosarcoma occurs in older patients, the diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma can be made following the exclusion of osteosarcoma secondary to Paget's disease. Table I summarizes the differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma in elderly patients.

Table I.

Differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma in middle-aged and elderly patients.

Differential diagnosis	Details
Chondrosarcoma	Under light microscopy, residual chondrocytes in the trabecular bone and matrix are observed, with no osteoblasts identified
Paget's disease	Under the microscope, poor cell differentiation, obvious polymorphism, large nuclei, irregularity, and matrix sclerosis are observed
Metastatic carcinoma	Primary lesion is identified, with corresponding clinical manifestations and histopathological features

In the 1970s, the standard treatment for osteosarcoma was amputation, but the 5-year survival rate was <20% (28). In the 1980s, due to advances in surgical techniques, the development of effective chemotherapy, and improved preoperative and postoperative chemoradiotherapy procedures, limb-salvage surgery gradually replaced traditional amputation (29). The key to the success of limb salvage surgery lies in the choice of the surgical method and removal of the tumor according to the most appropriate surgical boundary (30). Osteosarcoma should be completely removed to avoid local recurrence and distant metastasis, with the resection plane 5–7 cm from the end of the lesion. If the lesion is not completely removed during surgery, the local recurrence rate can be as high as 25% (31). Rosen et al (32). advocated neoadjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. The 5-year survival rate in patients has increased from 20 to 50–70%. In addition, up to 60–80% of patients can obtain limb retention, which has become the standard treatment for osteosarcoma currently accepted by the majority of scholars; namely ‘neoadjuvant chemotherapy + surgery (limb salvage or amputation) + adjuvant chemotherapy’. Certain reports have stated that chemotherapy is beneficial in elderly patients with primary osteosarcoma (33,34). However, in 1986, Huvos (35) reported that among 117 cases of osteosarcoma in bone and soft tissue that occurred in patients aged >60 years, 44% had primary osteosarcoma; the 5-year survival rate following treatment was 18%, and the 10-year survival rate was 7%, suggesting that patients had a poor prognosis. In the present study, case 2 received systematic chemotherapy and achieved a good therapeutic effect. However, case 3 also received chemotherapy but did not achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, regarding the effect of chemotherapy on osteosarcoma in elderly patients, the number of studies is insufficient to show whether chemotherapy is effective.

In conclusion, one of the main limitations of the present study is its insufficient number of cases. In addition, the 3 patients had different treatments therefore no comparisons could be determined. Osteosarcoma in elderly patients is a possible cause of pain and should not be ignored. Given its rarity, primary osteosarcoma should be carefully evaluated. We hypothesize that with increased awareness, it is possible to reach a correct diagnosis in advance to avoid over-treatment. Finally, osteosarcoma in elderly patients is rare; in order to improve the understanding of this condition, more case studies are required. Plastic surgeons and radiologists should consider the possibility of osteosarcoma diagnosis in this age group.

Funding

The present study was supported by Health and Family Planning Commission of Jiangxi Province on Traditional Chinese Medicine (grant no. 2016A073).

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analyzed during the present study are included in this published article.

Authors' contributions

MD, and JZ performed the surgery and managed the patients postoperatively. QX and TG contributed to the concept and design of the study and to the acquisition, analysis or interpretation of working data. BZ analyzed the patient's data. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was approved by the Ethical Institutional Review Board of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, and written informed consent was obtained from all study participants.

Patient consent for publication

The consent for publication of the manuscript and the related images from the patients and/or their relatives was obtained by the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.