A focus on craniomaxillofacial giant cell neoplasms

This thesis investigates giant cell neoplasms occurring within the craniomaxillofacial skeleton, a group of rare bone lesions characterised by the presence of multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells. The clinical presentation, location, biological behaviour, and treatment outcomes of these lesions vary widely, presenting significant challenges and complexities in clinical practice.
The research presented in this thesis aims to explore the pathogenesis of these lesions, enhance the diagnostic capabilities and classification by evaluating both clinical and non-clinical features along with various disease patterns, and improve treatment outcomes by analysing data on the efficacy and toxicity of various (non-surgical) interventions.
The findings demonstrate that the integration of clinical, radiological and new molecular data allows for better diagnostic accuracy and differentiation between the various types of craniomaxillofacial giant cell lesions. However, the complex biology of these lesions remains only partially understood, which particularly complicates the prediction of their diverse biological behaviours. The results of pharmacological therapies show promise in minimising the morbidity associated with surgery and reducing the risk of recurrence, especially in aggressive cases. Nonetheless, ongoing research is essential to optimise current treatment approaches and to identify novel, non-surgical strategies that target the underlying biological mechanisms driving these lesions.