FROM EXPERIENCE — TO RUSSIA: AT THE NATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF RADIOLOGY, A PATIENT FROM UZBEKISTAN WITH A RARE PELVIC TUMOUR WAS OPERATED ON

At the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute (MORI) – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, — one of the most complex onco-orthopedic procedures of the year was performed. The patient is 19 years old and came to Moscow from Tashkent. Nowadays, Federal Centers in Russia are increasingly becoming a focal point for patients from neighboring and distant countries requiring rare expertise and precise surgical solutions.

The diagnosis is osteosarcoma of the left iliac bone with involvement of the sacroiliac joint. This is one of the most challenging locations in orthopedic oncology: the tumor develops deep in the pelvis, close to major blood vessels and nerve structures, and the surgery requires not only radical removal but also restoration of the pelvic supportive function.

After the diagnosis was confirmed at the Institute, the patient underwent preoperative chemotherapy — four cycles stabilized the process and prepared them for the surgical stage. Next, the team performed resection of the affected sacroiliac joint followed by reconstruction. An individual metal implant was designed for the patient based on CT data considering the anatomy and extent of the intervention, to preserve the ability to walk and facilitate further rehabilitation.

“Pelvic bone tumors are among the most challenging cases in orthopedic oncology. Here, not only the technique and equipment are important, but also the accumulated experience of team-based work. That is why patients from other countries are increasingly turning to reference centers such as our National Medical Research Centre of Radiology,” notes Doctor of Medical Sciences Artem Bukharov, Head of the Surgical Treatment Group for Bone and Soft Tissue Tumours.

The surgery was successful. The patient was already able to stand and take the first steps with support in the early postoperative period. Ahead lies continued treatment and rehabilitation, but the crucial stage is already behind.

«This clinical case is a clear demonstration that the experience of Russian Federal Centers is in demand far beyond the country’s borders. Every year, more than three thousand patients from other countries turn to us. As a rule, these are truly complex clinical situations requiring high-tech surgery, an interdisciplinary approach, and the application of unique methods available at our Centre. For patients, this primarily provides reassurance that even the most challenging cases will be assessed with the highest level of expertise», – emphasized the Director General of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Chief Oncologist of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Andrey Kaprin.