This website is intended for people living in Europe only. Healthcare professionals in Europe can visit our HCP site.

tgct awareness

How is TGCT treated?

Following a diagnosis of TGCT (also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis [PVNS]), your doctor will discuss with you next steps in terms of treatment.1

The pharmacological treatment landscape for TGCT is rapidly evolving, however the availability of these therapies may differ across countries.1 Talk to your doctor if you're unsure about which options are right for you.

Surgical icon

The standard treatment for TGCT is surgery, when it can be done without causing major complications.1

The aim of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible to reduce the risk of it coming back (recurrence).1,2

Some people might not be able to undergo surgery for various reasons - click here or scroll down for more information.1,3

Treatment

Surgery aims to remove the tumor and preserve joint function by fully removing the tumor. Like all procedures, surgery carries risks and benefits and may not be suitable for all patients. Your healthcare team will help you weigh the benefits and risks of surgery based on your specific case.1,4

REHABILITATION

Following surgery, you might work with a physical therapist as you recover. Physical therapy can help to reduce the risk of complications following surgery.5

This type of therapy (or rehabilitation) is key to restoring strength and range of motion, with the aim of helping you return to your everyday activities.5

RECURRENCE FOLLOWING SURGERY

While surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible, there is still a risk it can come back.1

The risk of recurrence following surgery varies, however diffuse TGCT typically has a higher risk of recurrence (72%) vs nodular type (up to 15%).1,6–9

Unlike nodular TGCT which is generally contained within the joint, diffuse tumors can sometimes grow in and around the joint. Due to this growth pattern, it can make it tricky to remove all of the tumor. Incomplete removal of the tumor can result in recurrence.2,10

People with diffuse TGCT may need repeated surgeries to try and remove the tumor completely. However, repeated surgeries can cause further joint issues.2,4,11

WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WITH TGCT WHO CAN’T HAVE SURGERY?

Some people may be unable to have surgery due to a number of reasons:

Knee pain

Tumor may be too complex to remove without causing further joint damage1

Surgical knife

Underlying health problems, which could increase the risk of complications during surgery3

Joint movement

Preexisting joint damage from previous surgeries4,11

Ongoing research continues to look at different options for people with TGCT who cannot have surgery.1

The pharmacological treatment landscape for TGCT is rapidly evolving, however the availability of these therapies may differ depending on where you live.1 It's important to discuss with your doctor which approach is best for you.

When talking to other people with TGCT, or looking online, you might learn about chemotherapy, radiotherapy or cryotherapy. It’s important to know that these treatments have not been approved for TGCT. If you have any questions about treatment for TGCT, always speak to your doctor.1

WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WITH TGCT WHO DON’T HAVE SYMPTOMS?

Some people with asymptomatic TGCT (no symptoms) may not require treatment and can be managed by active surveillance, sometimes known as the watch-and-wait approach.1

Eye

Active surveillance is recommended as the first option for people with asymptomatic TGCT1

Active surveillance means your healthcare team will keep a close eye on the tumor instead of starting treatment right away.12

This approach can help to avoid or delay treatments which you might not need, like surgery. The decision to proceed with active surveillance should be a shared decision you make with your healthcare team.12

Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding managing TGCT.

Real experiences,
real support.

Meet Ramon, who is living with TGCT. Watch this video to learn more about his story. You can also visit our Patients Stories page to hear from others affected by TGCT.

Play

Managing my TGCT

Play

My TGCT is back

knee pain banner 4 knee pain banner 5 knee pain banner 6
Magnifier Explore advice on managing symptoms of TGCT day-to-day Chevron

TGCT, tenosynovial giant cell tumor.

References:

  1. Stacchiotti S, et al. Cancer Treat Rev. 2023;112:102491.
  2. Choi WS, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(2):402.
  3. Kolh P, et al. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2016;51(6):857–66.
  4. Lopez-Bastida J, et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):294.
  5. Dutta S, et al. Cureus. 2024;16(2):e54877.
  6. Siegel M, et al. PLoS One. 2021;16(12):e0260795.
  7. Palmerini E, et al. Eur J Cancer. 2015;51(2):210–7.
  8. Ehrenstein V, et al. J Rheumatol. 2017;44(10):1476–83.
  9. Stern S, et al. Future Oncol. 2025:1–10.
  10. Mastboom MJL, et al. Acta Orthop. 2017;88(6):688–94.
  11. Spierenburg G, et al. J Surg Oncol. 2022;126(6):1087–1095.
  12. National Cancer Institute. Definition of active surveillance. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/active-surveillance Accessed: January 2026.

DCPH-P02571 | January 2026