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Kaban LB, Troulis MJ et al. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002; 60: 1103–1111

Giant cell tumours rarely metastasize, but frequently recur with reported rates as high as 70%, and may be locally aggressive. There currently is considerable interest in the role of angiogenesis in tumour spread, and the authors postulated that giant cell lesions might depend on this mechanism for some of their effects.

This study involved 6 patients who had already experienced 8 recurrences, and 2 who had large, rapidly growing lesions. Following enucleation of the lesions with preservation of teeth and nerves, a course of interferon alpha was given daily for 6 to 8 months.

There were several complications which the authors viewed as minor, and all patients completed scheduled treatment. Mean duration of follow-up was 2 yrs (range 05–67 yrs), and 7 patients had completed treatment. There were no fractures, infections or recurrences, and in all cases the bone cavity rapidly filled with bone.