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Capone C, Turrini A, Rossi G, Veronesi V, Sacco C, Staffa G. Monophasic synovial sarcoma mimicking schwannoma: a case report of a rare peripheral nerve tumor and literature review. Neurol Res 2023; 45:530-537. [PMID: 36617792 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2022.2164446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Synovial sarcomas occurring as primary nerve tumors (SSPN) are rare and only 69 cases of SSPNs are reported in literature. Despite the little data available, SSPNs differ from other SSs in some distinctive aspects such as epidemiology, location, and early onset of symptoms. SSPN are consequently underdiagnosed and easily mistaken for benign or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST). Therefore, cytogenetic or molecular testing becomes essential in order to make a correct diagnosis. This article deals with an extremely rare case of monophasic SSPN of the posterior cords of the right brachial plexus. To our knowledge, this is only the tenth case of intraneural synovial sarcoma involving the brachial plexus. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a 64-year-old man, who came to our attention due to a slow-growing painful right axillary neoformation, approximately 25 mm in size. The patient did not show any neurological impairments. Ultrasonography and constrast MRI showed a heterogeneous mass arising from the posterior cord of the right brachial plexus, resembling a schwannoma. The patient underwent total resection of tumor and capsule. Histologically, a diagnosis of monophasic synovial sarcoma was made based on histologic features and the immunohistochemical profile. CONCLUSIONS We report a rare primary synovial sarcoma of the brachial plexus. Given its rarity, the diagnosis may be challenging and requires a core biopsy or the surgical specimen to permit immune-molecular analysis. Margin-free surgery is the mainstay of curative treatment, while chemo- or radiotherapy may have a role in advanced or margin-positive neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crescenzo Capone
- Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Ospedale Civile degli Infermi, Faenza, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Rossi
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale Civile degli Infermi, Faenza, Italy
| | - Vanni Veronesi
- Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Ospedale Civile degli Infermi, Faenza, Italy
| | - Carlo Sacco
- Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Ospedale Civile degli Infermi, Faenza, Italy
| | - Guido Staffa
- Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Ospedale Civile degli Infermi, Faenza, Italy
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Burks SS, Puffer RC, Cajigas I, Valdivia D, Rosenberg AE, Spinner RJ, Levi AD. Synovial Sarcoma of the Nerve-Clinical and Pathological Features: Case Series and Systematic Review. Neurosurgery 2020; 85:E975-E991. [PMID: 31435657 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synovial sarcoma of the nerve is a rare entity with several cases and case series reported in the literature. Despite an improved understanding of the biology, the clinical course is difficult to predict. OBJECTIVE To compile a series of patients with synovial sarcoma of the peripheral nerve (SSPN) and assess clinical and pathological factors and their contribution to survival and recurrence. METHODS Cases from 2 institutions collected in patients undergoing surgical intervention for SSPN. Systematic review including PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for related articles published from 1970 to December 2018. Eligibility criteria: (1) case reports or case series reporting on SSPN, (2) clinical course and/or pathological features of the tumor reported, and (3) articles published in English. RESULTS From patients treated at our institutions (13) the average follow-up period was 3.2 yr. Tumor recurrence was seen in 4 cases and death in 3. Systematic review of the literature yielded 44 additional cases with an average follow-up period of 3.6 yr. From pooled data, there were 10 recurrences and 7 deaths (20% and 14%, respectively). Adjuvant treatment used in 62.5% of cases. Immunohistochemical markers used in diagnosis varied widely; the most common are the following: Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin, vimentin, cluster of differentiation (CD34), and transducin-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1). Statistical analysis illustrated tumor size and use of chemotherapy to be negative predictors of survival. No other factors, clinically or from pathologist review, were correlated with recurrence or survival. CONCLUSION By combining cases from our institution with historical data and performing statistical analysis we show correlation between tumor size and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Shelby Burks
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Ross C Puffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Iahn Cajigas
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - David Valdivia
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Andrew E Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Allan D Levi
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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3
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Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour – A long story: Case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2020; 77:618-623. [PMID: 33395859 PMCID: PMC7708871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Segmental neurofibromatosis with MPNST showing multiple recurrences has not been reported in literature. Studies were not conducted regarding the survival rate of such patients due to its extreme low incidence. Being considered as a highly aggressive sarcoma, our patient with MPNST survived for a long period without distant metastasis. Maintenance of old records helped to carry out review workup effectively.
Introduction We present a rare case of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour (MPNST) of the upper limb, which was excised thirteen times in thirteen years and ultimately ended in above elbow amputation. Presenting complaint and investigations A 48 year old female presented initially with a localised swelling of 2 cms diameter in the front of the left elbow in 2007, which was excised. It recurred repeatedly and was excised. In the earlier presentations, the swellings were firm, mobile and not fixed to bone. In the last stage alone, bone fixity was identified. All the fourteen surgeries were performed by the primary author from 2007 to 2020, as the patient was particular. The main clinical diagnoses had been neurofibroma and fibrosarcoma. There was no evidence of distant metastasis all these years. She did not respond to radiation or chemotherapy. Initially it was single, but later multiple. She had no clinical features of Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) or any family history. As the history progressed, the swellings became muscle deep and later encircled the radial nerve. The radial nerve was salvaged on three occasions. On the last three occasions, the tumour had to be shaved off from the humerus. The final amputation specimen showed a single tumour infiltrating the humerus and x-ray revealed bone destruction and tumour calcification. Final diagnosis was aided by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and cytogenetic study (FISH). Conclusion The case is presented for the rarity of the presentation and the trust and dependence of the patient on her personal surgeon.
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Abstract
Synovial sarcoma of peripheral nerve (SSPN) is rare with only 26 cases reported in English. SSPN is often mistaken for a benign or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) by clinicians and pathologists. Fifteen cases of SSPN were retrieved from the pathology files of 3 institutions. All tumors arose in a nerve based on imaging and/or operative findings and the diagnoses were histologically confirmed. Neuropathic symptoms predominated in 11 women and 4 men, 19- to 62-year-old (median, 39 years) with tumors involving the ulnar (5), median (3), peroneal (3) or sciatic (2) nerve, or the L4 or T1 nerve root (2). Tumor sizes ranged from 2 to 13 cm (median, 3.8 cm). The leading clinical diagnosis was PNST (9). Treatment was surgical (14) supplemented with radiation therapy (8) and chemotherapy (6). Fourteen tumors were monophasic and 1 was biphasic; 4 had poorly differentiated (PD) foci (1 rhabdoid). Diagnoses in 12 cases were verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or both methods. Follow-up in 14 patients (median, 32 mo) revealed that 2/4 patients with PD tumors died with pulmonary metastases; another was alive with no current evidence of disease (NED) following 2 local recurrences, while the fourth had NED. In contrast, 9/10 patients without PD tumors were alive (7 NED) and 1 died at 12 months with pulmonary infiltrates. SSPN is under-recognized clinically and histologically as it mimics benign and malignant PNST. Molecular analysis is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. PD foci, including rhabdoid areas, may portend a worse outcome, similar to non-neural-based tumors.
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5
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Amary MFC, Berisha F, Bernardi FDC, Herbert A, James M, Reis-Filho JS, Fisher C, Nicholson AG, Tirabosco R, Diss TC, Flanagan AM. Detection of SS18-SSX fusion transcripts in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded neoplasms: analysis of conventional RT-PCR, qRT-PCR and dual color FISH as diagnostic tools for synovial sarcoma. Mod Pathol 2007; 20:482-96. [PMID: 17334349 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3800761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Synovial Sarcoma consistently harbors t(X;18) resulting in SS18-SSX1, SS18-SSX2 and rarely SS18-SSX4 fusion transcripts. Of 328 cases included in our study, synovial sarcoma was either the primary diagnosis or was very high in the differential diagnosis in 134 cases: of these, amplifiable cDNA was obtained from 131. SS18-SSX fusion products were found in 126 (96%) cases (74 SS18-SSX1, 52 SS18-SSX2), using quantitative and 120 by conventional reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). One hundred and one cases in a tissue microarray, analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), revealed that 87 (86%) showed SS18 rearrangement: four RT-PCR positive cases, reported as negative for FISH, showed loss of one spectrum green signal, and 15 cases had multiple copies of the SS18 gene: both findings are potentially problematic when interpreting results. One of three cases, not analyzed by RT-PCR reaction owing to poor quality RNA, was positive by FISH. SS18-SSX1 was present in 56 monophasic and 18 biphasic synovial sarcoma: SS18-SSX2 was detected in 41 monophasic and 11 biphasic synovial sarcoma. Poorly differentiated areas were identified in 44 cases (31%). There was no statistically significant association between biphasic, monophasic and fusion type. Five cases were negative for SS18 rearrangement by all methods, three of which were pleural-sited neoplasms. Following clinical input, a diagnosis of mesothelioma was favored in one case, a sarcoma, not otherwise specified in another and a solitary fibrous tumor in the third case. The possibility of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor could not be excluded in the other two cases. We concluded that the employment of a combination of molecular approaches is a powerful aid to diagnosing synovial sarcoma giving at least 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity but results must be interpreted in the light of other modalities such as clinical findings and immunohistochemical data.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Formaldehyde
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Paraffin Embedding
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoma, Synovial/genetics
- Sarcoma, Synovial/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Synovial/pathology
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/metabolism
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology
- Tissue Array Analysis
- Tissue Fixation
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6
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Rosa N, Samuel N, Antonio J, Carmen C, Antonio P, Antonio LB. A poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (SYT/SSX1) expresses neuroectodermal markers: a xenografts and in vitro culture study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 13:52-9. [PMID: 15163010 DOI: 10.1097/00019606-200403000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a neoplasm that poses diagnostic problems, due to its histologic heterogeneity. The poorly differentiated variant, in particular, may be histologically indistinguishable from other small round cell tumors. Detection of the synovial sarcoma-associated t(X;18) or SYT-SSX fusion transcripts may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of SS in difficult cases. Most of SS carry a t(X;18) in about one third of cases as the sole cytogenetic abnormality. We evaluated a case of poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma and their derived tumors in nude mice xenografts and cell cultures. We used a panel of antibodies (including those to intermediate filament, nerve-sheath associated markers, and neuronal and neuroectodermal related antigens) to better establish the immunophenotype, supported by the ultrastructural evaluation. The tumor exhibited the distinctive cytogenetic abnormality t(X;18), together with a der(1)t(1;22)(p36;q12). Present results show that this poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma not only expresses conventional biologic and genetical markers for SS but also neuroectodermal features when transplanted into nude mice and cultured in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noguera Rosa
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia, Spain
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7
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Hypertrophic neuropathies and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in transgenic mice overexpressing glial growth factor beta3 in myelinating Schwann cells. J Neurosci 2003. [PMID: 12917360 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-19-07269.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) family of growth and differentiation factors exerts a variety of effects on Schwann cells and their precursors during nervous system development; however, NRG-1 effects on adult Schwann cells are poorly defined. Several lines of evidence suggest that NRG-1 actions on adult Schwann cells are distinct from those observed during development. To test this hypothesis, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing the NRG-1 isoform glial growth factor beta3 (GGFbeta3) in myelinating Schwann cells [protein zero (P0)GGFbeta3 mice]. P0-GGFbeta3 mice develop resting tremors, gait abnormalities, decreased hindlimb strength, and paralysis by approximately 7 months of age. Sciatic nerves from these animals show a hypertrophic neuropathy characterized by demyelination, remyelination, and "onion bulb" formation. Development of this hypertrophic neuropathy is preceded by Schwann cell hyperplasia that is prominent in 1-month-old mice and present but decreased in 2- and 4-month-old animals. P0-GGFbeta3 mice also develop peripheral ganglion-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Motor, sensory, and sympathetic ganglia from 1-, 2-, and 4-month-old P0-GGFbeta3 mice uniformly contain intraganglionic, likely preneoplastic, Schwann cell proliferations. Examination of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and caspase-3 activation in sciatic nerves and trigeminal ganglia indicates that Schwann cell hyperplasia in P0-GGFbeta3 mice reflects increased proliferation rather than decreased apoptosis. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that GGFbeta3 induces proliferation of adult Schwann cells and demyelination of peripheral nerve axons. Furthermore, overexpression of this NRG-1 isoform frequently induces neoplastic Schwann cell proliferation within PNS ganglia, suggesting that NRG-1 may contribute to human Schwann cell neoplasia.
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9
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Nishio J, Iwasaki H, Ishiguro M, Ohjimi Y, Isayama T, Naito M, Kaneko Y, Kamada N, Kikuchi M. Synovial sarcoma with a secondary chromosome change der(22)t(17;22)(q12;q12). CANCER GENETICS AND CYTOGENETICS 2002; 137:23-8. [PMID: 12377409 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-4608(02)00550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A consistent, pathognomonic translocation, most commonly a balanced reciprocal translocation, t(X;18) (p11.2;q11.2), is found in more than 90% of synovial sarcomas. We report here a secondary chromosome change, der(22)t(17;22)(q12;q12), in addition to the primary t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) in a biphasic synovial sarcoma that occurred in the thigh of a 34-year-old woman. Although the karyotype of the primary tumor exhibited 46,X,t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2), the recurrent tumor showed 46,X,der(X)t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2),der(22) t(17;22)(q12;q12). The SYT-SSX1 fusion transcript was demonstrated in the primary and recurrent tumors using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Southern blot analysis also confirmed that the detected messages were derived from the SYT-SSX fusion gene. However, we could not detect the EWS-E1AF fusion gene that has been reported to be generated through a t(17;22)(q12;q12) by RT-PCR. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with cosmid probes corresponding to loci flanking the EWSR1 region demonstrated no split of chromosome 22 in all analyzed interphase nuclei. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of synovial sarcoma in which an additional (secondary) chromosome change, der(22)t(17;22)(q12;q12), has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Nishio
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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10
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Hill DA, O'Sullivan MJ, Zhu X, Vollmer RT, Humphrey PA, Dehner LP, Pfeifer JD. Practical application of molecular genetic testing as an aid to the surgical pathologic diagnosis of sarcomas: a prospective study. Am J Surg Pathol 2002; 26:965-77. [PMID: 12170083 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200208000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The strong correlation of specific reciprocal translocations with individual tumor types and the demonstration that polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods can detect translocations in tissue samples have stimulated interest in the role of molecular genetic testing in diagnostic surgical pathology. To evaluate the clinical utility of PCR-based molecular analysis of soft tissue neoplasms in routine surgical pathology, 131 consecutive soft tissue tumors submitted for molecular genetic testing at a tertiary care teaching hospital were prospectively analyzed over a 36-month period. RT-PCR was used to test tumor RNA for fusion transcripts characteristic of malignant round cell tumors (including Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma), spindle cell tumors (including synovial sarcoma and congenital fibrosarcoma), and fatty tumors (myxoid liposarcoma). DNA sequence analysis was used to confirm the identity of all PCR products, and the PCR results were compared with the histopathologic diagnosis. We found that sufficient RNA for RT-PCR-based testing was recovered from 96% of the 131 cases and the percentage of tumors that tested positive for the associated characteristic fusion transcript was in general agreement with those reported in the literature. DNA sequence analysis of PCR products identified both variant transcripts and spurious PCR products, underscoring the value of product confirmation steps when testing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Only in rare cases did testing yield a genetic result that was discordant with the histopathologic diagnosis. We conclude that PCR-based testing is a useful adjunct for the diagnosis of malignant small round cell tumors, spindle cell tumors, and other miscellaneous neoplasms in routine surgical pathology practice.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- Humans
- Liposarcoma, Myxoid/diagnosis
- Liposarcoma, Myxoid/genetics
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Prospective Studies
- RNA, Neoplasm/analysis
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/diagnosis
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/genetics
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/pathology
- Sarcoma/diagnosis
- Sarcoma/genetics
- Sarcoma/pathology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Sarcoma, Small Cell/diagnosis
- Sarcoma, Small Cell/genetics
- Sarcoma, Small Cell/pathology
- Sarcoma, Synovial/diagnosis
- Sarcoma, Synovial/genetics
- Sarcoma, Synovial/pathology
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ashley Hill
- Lauren V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
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11
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O'Sullivan MJ, Dehner LP, Humphrey PA, Pfeifer JD. Transcripts, transcripts, everywhere. Adv Anat Pathol 2002; 9:265-6; author reply 266-7. [PMID: 12072820 DOI: 10.1097/00125480-200207000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Tamborini E, Agus V, Perrone F, Papini D, Romanò R, Pasini B, Gronchi A, Colecchia M, Rosai J, Pierotti MA, Pilotti S. Lack of SYT-SSX fusion transcripts in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors on RT-PCR analysis of 34 archival cases. J Transl Med 2002; 82:609-18. [PMID: 12004001 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3780455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The translocation t(X;18) is currently regarded as a specific molecular marker of synovial sarcoma (SS). Recently, however, it has been reported that malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors expressed this marker in 75% of the cases. To test independently this iconoclastic claim, a molecular analysis for the detection of the SYT-SSX fusion genes was carried out using archival material of 34 consecutive cases diagnosed as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and treated in our Institute from 1998 to 2000. In four of these cases, the molecular analysis on fixed tissues was supplemented with an analysis on fresh frozen tissue. RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks was evaluated for the presence of SYT-SSX1 and SYT-SSX2 fusion transcripts by RT-PCR. This analysis was extended to a wide variety of normal tissues simultaneously extracted and equally processed. Only two of the cases studied harbored SYT-SSX1 and SYT-SSX2 fusion transcripts, respectively. The diagnostic reevaluation of these two cases in light of the molecular data disclosed that one had the features of a monophasic SS and the other was compatible with that entity. Both of these tumors were strongly immunoreactive for bcl-2, confirming the diagnostic utility of this marker in this instance. Our results reaffirm the specificity of SYT-SSX for SS and suggest that an opposite claim made in a recent study may have been due to a faulty interpretation of the molecular results caused by a contamination of the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tamborini
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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13
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14
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Aubry MC, Bridge JA, Wickert R, Tazelaar HD. Primary monophasic synovial sarcoma of the pleura: five cases confirmed by the presence of SYT-SSX fusion transcript. Am J Surg Pathol 2001; 25:776-81. [PMID: 11395555 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200106000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study reports five cases of primary pleural monophasic synovial sarcomas and assesses the role of the SYT-SSX fusion transcript in the differential diagnosis. Patients had a mean age of 47 years with no gender predilection. Chest pain and pleural-based masses with effusions characterized the clinical presentations. Each patient underwent a complete surgical resection of the mass. The mean follow-up was 9 months, available in four patients. They were all alive, with no evidence of disease. Histologically, neoplasms were composed of densely packed fusiform cells focally alternating with less cellular areas. No epithelial differentiation was identified at the hematoxylin and eosin level. Keratin and epithelial membrane antigen reactivity was focal and present in four and two tumors, respectively. There was no immunoreactivity for CD34. RT-PCR studies for the presence of a SYT-SSX1 or SYT-SSX2 fusion transcript were positive in every tumor. In comparison, 10 localized fibrous tumors were immunohistochemically negative for keratin and epithelial membrane antigen and positive for CD34. A SYT-SSX fusion transcript was not identified in any of five localized fibrous tumors tested. Identification of the synovial sarcoma-specific chimeric transcript (SYT-SSX1 or SYT-SSX2), in conjunction with immunoperoxidase studies, can be extremely helpful in identifying cases of pleural monophasic synovial sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Aubry
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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15
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O'Sullivan MJ, Kyriakos M, Zhu X, Wick MR, Swanson PE, Dehner LP, Humphrey PA, Pfeifer JD. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors with t(X;18). A pathologic and molecular genetic study. Mod Pathol 2000; 13:1336-46. [PMID: 11144931 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3880247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spindle cell sarcomas often present the surgical pathologist with a considerable diagnostic challenge. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, leiomyosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and monophasic synovial sarcoma may all appear similar histologically. The application of ancillary diagnostic modalities, such as immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, may be helpful in the differentiation of these tumors, but in cases in which these adjunctive techniques fail to demonstrate any more definitive evidence of differentiation, tumor categorization may remain difficult. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic characterization of tumors have provided the basis for the application of molecular assays as the newest components of the diagnostic armamentarium. Because the chromosomal translocation t(X;18) has been observed repeatedly in many synovial sarcomas, it has been heralded as a diagnostic hallmark of synovial sarcoma. To formally test the specificity of this translocation for the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, RNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from a variety of soft tissue and spindle cell tumors was evaluated for the presence of t(X;18) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Although 85% of the synovial sarcomas studied demonstrated t(X;18), 75% of the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in our cohort also demonstrated this translocation. We conclude that the translocation t(X;18) is not specific to synovial sarcoma and discuss the implications of the demonstration of t(X;18) in a majority of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J O'Sullivan
- L.V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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16
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O'Sullivan MJ, Kyriakos M, Zhu X, Wick MR, Swanson PE, Dehner LP, Humphrey PA, Pfeifer JD. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors with t(X;18). A pathologic and molecular genetic study. Mod Pathol 2000; 13:1253-63. [PMID: 11106084 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3880230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Spindle cell sarcomas often present the surgical pathologist with a considerable diagnostic challenge. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, leiomyosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and monophasic synovial sarcoma may all appear similar histologically. The application of ancillary diagnostic modalities, such as immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, may be helpful in the differentiation of these tumors, but in cases in which these adjunctive techniques fail to demonstrate any more definitive evidence of differentiation, tumor categorization may remain difficult. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic characterization of tumors have provided the basis for the application of molecular assays as the newest components of the diagnostic armamentarium. Because the chromosomal translocation t(X;18) has been observed repeatedly in many synovial sarcomas, it has been heralded as a diagnostic hallmark of synovial sarcoma. To formally test the specificity of this translocation for the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, RNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from a variety of soft tissue and spindle cell tumors was evaluated for the presence of t(X;18) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Although 85% of the synovial sarcomas studied demonstrated t(X;18), 75% of the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in our cohort also demonstrated this translocation. We conclude that the translocation t(X;18) is not specific to synovial sarcoma and discuss the implications of the demonstration of t(X;18) in a majority of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Blotting, Southern
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18
- DNA Primers/chemistry
- DNA, Neoplasm/analysis
- Female
- Genetic Markers
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nerve Sheath Neoplasms/genetics
- Nerve Sheath Neoplasms/pathology
- RNA, Neoplasm/analysis
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoma, Synovial/genetics
- Sarcoma, Synovial/pathology
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Translocation, Genetic
- X Chromosome
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Affiliation(s)
- M J O'Sullivan
- L. V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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