Precision Medicine in Musculoskeletal Oncology—Current Trends Driven by Digitalization

Edited by:

Alexander Bryant Christ, MD, University of California Los Angeles, United States of America
Tao Ji, MD, Peking University People’s Hospital, China
Kwok Chuen Wong, MBChB, MD (CUHK), Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 30 April 2025

Arthroplasty is calling for submissions to our Collection on Precision Medicine in Musculoskeletal Oncology—Current Trends Driven by Digitalization.

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New Content Item This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Meet the Guest Editors

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Alexander Bryant Christ, MD, University of California Los Angeles, United States of America

Alexander Christ, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic oncologist and adult reconstructive surgeon at UCLA. He specializes in metastatic bone disease, orthopaedic reconstruction of oncologic defects, and outcomes of arthroplasty and orthopaedic oncologic surgery. His research encompasses nanoparticle drug delivery, biomechanics, implant retrieval, and biochemistry. Dr. Christ directs the Orthopaedic Oncology Fellowship at UCLA and co-directs the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He is active in multidisciplinary research on bone and soft tissue diseases and serves on several professional committees.

Tao Ji, MD, Peking University People’s Hospital, China

Dr. Tao Ji is a distinguished orthopaedic oncologist and associate professor at the Musculoskeletal Tumor Center of People’s Hospital, Peking University. He earned his M.D. from Peking University Health Science Center in 2009, followed by postgraduate training in Orthopaedic Surgery and Oncology at People’s Hospital. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Irvine Medical School, focusing on osteosarcoma research. Specializing in pelvic tumor resection and pediatric limb-salvage procedures, Dr. Ji is deeply involved in cancer metastasis research, biomechanics studies, and developing personalized implants. He serves as a consultant for the CFDA and holds memberships in several professional organizations, including ISOLS.

Kwok Chuen Wong, MBChB, MD (CUHK), Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Dr. Kwok-Chuen Wong, MBChB, MD, FRCSEd (Ortho), HKCOS, FHKAM, is the chief of Orthopaedic Oncology at Prince of Wales Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor (Honorary) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Specializing in orthopedic oncology since 2004, his research focuses on complex tumor limb salvage, revision surgery, advanced digital technology, patient-specific implants, and giant cell tumors of bone. As one of the pioneers in computer navigation, 3D printing, and mixed reality in orthopedic oncology, Dr. Wong has published extensively in the field.

About the Collection

Musculoskeletal oncology often involves complex tumour resections, requiring precise margins while preserving as much of the surrounding anatomy as possible. The advent of digital technologies, including 3D printing, advanced imaging, and robotics, offers the opportunity for unprecedented precision in these challenging surgical interventions. These technological advancements are pivotal in transforming traditional practices, leading to more personalized and effective treatment strategies that align with the principles of precision medicine.

We stand at the brink of a transformative era in musculoskeletal oncology, where the integration of digital technologies with medical expertise is reshaping the paradigms of diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. The primary aim of this collection is to showcase the significant impact of enabling technologies in musculoskeletal oncology. We focus on how these technologies are being integrated into the orthopaedic domain, enhancing procedures such as joint-preservation surgeries and using custom 3D-printed surgical aids and endoprostheses. This collection aims to highlight innovations that improve precision, outcomes, and patient-specific care in orthopaedic oncology.

This collection invites original research articles, reviews, and innovative perspectives from orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and practitioners at the forefront of integrating digital advancements into clinical practice. We are particularly interested in contributions that explore the following themes:

•   Reconstruction Strategies: Advances in reconstructive techniques for limb salvage, including the integration of 3D printing and biological materials.
•   Endoprosthesis Related: Novel designs in endoprosthetic solutions for complex defect reconstructions post-tumor removal and their long-term outcomes.
•   Surgical Navigation and Robotics: Utilization of computer-aided surgery, including navigation systems, surgical jigs, and robotic assistance, to improve surgical accuracy and outcomes.
•   3D Printing Applications: 3D printing technology is used to create patient-specific implants and surgical guides to enhance precision and functionality.
•   Advanced Imaging Technologies: Role of CT-guided, MR-guided, and fluorescence-guided navigation in planning and executing surgeries, as well as real-time assessment of resection quality.
•   Immersive Technologies: Incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), or other Spatial Computing in orthopaedic oncology to improve surgical planning and execution.
•   AI in Decision Making: Use of artificial intelligence to refine decision-making processes and develop personalized treatment algorithms.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original research articles, reviews, and innovative perspectives. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal.

Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Editorial Manager. Please select the appropriate Collection title “Precision Medicine in Musculoskeletal Oncology—Current Trends Driven by Digitalization" from the dropdown menu.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer-review process. The peer-review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.