Recurrent primary lumbar vertebra chondrosarcoma: Marginal resection and Iodine-125 seed therapy

Analysis of Cells Proliferation and MicroRNAs Expression Profile in Human Chondrosarcoma SW1353 Cells Exposed to Iodine-125 Seeds Irradiation

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common bone malignancy in adults, and it is often resistant to traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Permanent implantation of iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) seeds has been explored for the treatment of many types of cancer. In this study, the aim was to investigate the proliferative and microRNA (miRNA) effects of ¹²⁵I seeds irradiation on human chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells. First, a new in vitro ¹²⁵I seed irradiation model was established, and cell viability and miRNA microarray assays were performed before and after exposure to the ¹²⁵I seeds. Cell proliferation was inhibited, and miRNA expression was substantially altered by irradiation exposure. The inhibition of cell proliferation was positively correlated with increased radiation doses, with cells showing the highest total radiation dose 7 days after irradiation. A total of 2549 miRNAs were detected in the SW1353 cells after exposure to 6 Gy of radiation, which included 189 differentially expressed miRNAs (98 upregulated and 91 downregulated). Four miRNAs were found to play important roles in the inhibition of cell proliferation after irradiation exposure, including miR-1224-5p, miR-492, miR-135b-5p, and miR-6839-5p. The target genes of the associated miRNAs mentioned were vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP4K3), and apoptosis facilitator Bcl-2-like protein 14 (BCL2L14). Hence, the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway may be involved in how chondrosarcoma cells respond to ¹²⁵I seed irradiation.

Chondrosarcoma of the dorsal spine - A rare case

Chondrosarcomas of the spine are rare tumors and represent <10% of all chondrosarcomas. In the spine, they may arise from vertebral bodies or posterior elements. They may occur in patients ranging from 13 to 78 years of age. Here, we present a case of a 25-year-old female who presented with complaints of lower backache, stiffness in both lower limbs, and tingling sensation in the right lower limb. On examination, both power and sensations were decreased below waist. Magnetic resonance imaging spine revealed an extradural lesion at D5 vertebral body level with severe cord compression. We received the mass in multiple fragments which were grayish-white and firm to hard in consistency. Microscopically, a chondroid tumor was seen with cells arranged in lobules in abundant myxoid matrix. The neoplastic chondrocytes were large in size and had bizarre hyperchromatic nuclei. Few binucleate and multinucleate forms were also seen along with occasional atypical mitoses. There was permeation and destruction of the host bone, and the tumor was seen invading the marrow spaces. Few foci showed high cellularity. No osteoid formation was seen by the tumor. The tumor was diagnosed as Chondrosarcoma - Grade II.

A Rare and Interesting Case of a Massive Secondary Spinal Chondrosarcoma and Review of the Literature

Chondrosarcoma, the second most common primary malignancy of the bone, is malignant cartilage forming tumour that very rarely involves the axial skeleton. It may arise as a primary bone tumour or as a secondary lesion from a preexisting benign cartilaginous neoplasm such as osteochondroma or enchondroma. A rare case of a massive secondary lumbar spine chondrosarcoma is presented. Management consisted of an initial posterior spinal stabilization and fusion and then a curative radical en bloc tumour resection. A review of the literature is also presented.