Pigmented villonodular synovitis therapy with MSCF-1 inhibitors

Purpose of review Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath and pigmented villonodular synovitis are synovial-based diseases that are generally treated by surgery. For aggressive and recurrent tumors, treatment alternatives are needed. This review explores a targeted therapeutic strategy. Recent findings Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocks expression of colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) by a small subpopulation of tumor cells that recruit CSF1-bearing nonneoplastic cells. Limited clinical data support the efficacy and side effect profile of imatinib in stabilizing disease in most patients. Summary Imatinib along with other such inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies to CSF1R are putative drugs that may play an important role in the treatment of these tumors.