This website is intended for healthcare professionals in Europe only.

Woman trapped in a bone

What is the
role of
surgery
IN TGCT?

Surgery is the standard of care for symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) when it can be accomplished without significant morbidity.1

Typically, arthroscopic synovectomy is used for resection of nodular-type TGCT (N-TGCT) while open synovectomy is common for diffuse-type TGCT (D-TGCT), however there is no clear consensus on the type of procedure.2 The preferred approach is resection when macroscopically complete resection is achievable, and it can be accomplished without significant morbidity for durable local control and improved QoL. The indication and expected outcome of surgery should be discussed with the multidisciplinary tumor board and patient.1

The likelihood of successful surgery is dependent on many factors, including location and subtype.1,3 N-TGCT can be managed by complete marginal resection, with low LRR. Surgery for D-TGCT is associated with high LR risk and postoperative complications. All cases should be discussed by the multidisciplinary tumor board.1

SURGERY FOR TGCT is not always curative1

Recurrence is still a risk following surgery for TGCT.

CLICK D-TGCT TO FIND OUT MORE

Man unwell

Risk of long-term joint damage

Repeated surgery can significantly impact joint health2,11

Even with complete surgical resection, there is a risk of recurrence, particularly with D-TGCT. With each recurrence, TGCT becomes increasingly difficult to manage, and patients face greater burden.11

  • Multiple surgeries can result in increased morbidity4,11
  • Joints are adversely affected:
    • Partial loss of function11
    • Acceleration of secondary osteoarthritis2
  • Permanent joint damage can occur2,11
  • In some cases, joint replacement or even amputation are required2,12
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about current challenges
in TGCT treatment
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D-TGCT, diffuse-type TGCT; LR, local relapse; LRR, local relapse rate; N-TGCT, nodular-type TGCT; PVNS, pigmented villonodular synovitis; QoL, quality of life; TGCT, tenosynovial giant cell tumor.

References:

  1. Stacchiotti S, et al. Cancer Treat Rev. 2023:112:102491.
  2. Robert M, et al. Front Immunol. 2022:13:820046.
  3. Gouin F., Noailles T. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017;103(1S):S91–S97.
  4. Spierenburg G, et al. J Surg Oncol. 2022;126(6):1087–1095.
  5. Choi WS, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(2):402.
  6. Stern S, et al. Future Oncol. 2025:1–10.
  7. Ehrenstein V, et al. J Rheumatol. 2017;44(10):1476–83.
  8. Palmerini E, et al. Eur J Cancer. 2015;51(2):210–7.
  9. Chiari C, et al. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006;450:172–8.
  10. Siegel M, et al. PLoS One. 2021;16(12):e0260795.
  11. Lopez-Bastida J, et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):294.
  12. Gelderblom H, et al. Lancet. 2024;403(10445):2709–2719.

DCPH-P02495 | August 2025

This website aims to provide scientific and educational information about TGCT and is intended for healthcare professionals in Europe only. The content is non⁠-⁠promotional.

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