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P Picci

Publications and source records attributed to P Picci.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

DNA copy number amplifications in sarcomas with homogeneously staining regions and double minutes.

To identify DNA amplifications in sarcomas, comparative genomic hybridization was performed on 27 cases that were likely to display high-level DNA copy number gains. In all cases, chromosome banding analysis had revealed homogeneously staining regions or double minutes, i.e., cytogenetic signs of gene amplification. In most cases, gains predominated over losses. Low-level amplifications (ratio 1.3:1.5) were seen in 20 cases. High-level amplifications (ratio >1.5) exceeded the frequencies seen in published, unselected sarcomas of similar histotypes and were detected in 16 tumors: 4/4 osteosarcomas, 5/8 malignant fibrous histiocytomas, 3/7 leiomyosarcomas, 1/2 myosarcomas, 0/1 liposarcoma, 0/1 rhabdomyosarcoma, 1/1 pleomorphic sarcoma, 0/1 myxofibrosarcoma, 1/1 malignant mesenchymona, and 1/1 malignant schwannoma, with two to four chromosomal regions involved in nine tumors. Recurrent amplifications involved 1p33-p32, 5p15-p14, 7pter-p12, 7q21-qter, 8q21.3-qter, 11q22-q23, 16p13.2-p12, 19q12-q13.1, 20q11.2-qter, and 22q12-q13. Most of the recurrent gains/amplifications we detected have been reported in sarcomas previously. A novel gain/amplification was seen at 2q14.3-q21 in five cases of four sarcoma types. The disparate pattern of amplified sequences, the poor correspondence between the localization of low- and high-level amplifications, and the chromosomal position of homogeneously staining regions suggest the involvement of many genes in the amplifications and that the genes rarely maintain their native position in these tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Adjuvant chemotherapy for adult soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and girdles: results of the Italian randomized cooperative trial.

PURPOSE: Adjuvant chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma is controversial because previous trials reported conflicting results. The present study was designed with restricted selection criteria and high dose-intensities of the two most active chemotherapeutic agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients between 18 and 65 years of age with grade 3 to 4 spindle-cell sarcomas (primary diameter > or = 5 cm or any size recurrent tumor) in extremities or girdles were eligible. Stratification was by primary versus recurrent tumors and by tumor diameter greater than or equal to 10 cm versus less than 10 cm. One hundred four patients were randomized, 51 to the control group and 53 to the treatment group (five cycles of 4'-epidoxorubicin 60 mg/m(2) days 1 and 2 and ifosfamide 1.8 g/m(2) days 1 through 5, with hydration, mesna, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor). RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 59 months, 60 patients had relapsed and 48 died (28 and 20 in the treatment arm and 32 and 28 in the control arm, respectively). The median disease-free survival (DFS) was 48 months in the treatment group and 16 months in the control group (P =.04); and the median overall survival (OS) was 75 months for treated and 46 months for untreated patients (P =.03). For OS, the absolute benefit deriving from chemotherapy was 13% at 2 years and increased to 19% at 4 years (P =.04). CONCLUSION: Intensified adjuvant chemotherapy had a positive impact on the DFS and OS of patients with high-risk extremity soft tissue sarcomas at a median follow-up of 59 months. Therefore, our data favor an intensified treatment in similar cases. Although cure is still difficult to achieve, a significant delay in death is worthwhile, also considering the short duration of treatment and the absence of toxic deaths.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the mobile spine: report on 41 cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Forty-one cases of aneurysmal bone cyst of the mobile spine were retrospectively reviewed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Ten to 30% of aneurysmal bone cysts arise from the mobile spine, frequently occurring in pediatric patients. The course of the disease depends on the aggressiveness of the tumor, as well as the treatment. Intralesional surgery seems to be an effective treatment, as well as radiotherapy and embolization. METHODS: All charts, radiographs, and images were reviewed. The composite information provided by this review allowed for oncologic and surgical staging of these cases. Thirty-two patients underwent curettage (14 of them followed by radiotherapy), four were submitted to selective arterial embolization, three received radiotherapy alone, and two underwent en bloc-excision. RESULTS: All patients were found alive and disease free at final follow-up evaluation. Two recurrences followed one incomplete curettage and one embolization. The combination of curettage and radiotherapy, although effective, showed the greatest incidence of late axial deformity. Selective arterial embolization was curative in three of four cases and did not affect the possibility of surgery in case of local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: If confirmed on larger series, selective arterial embolization seems to be the first treatment option for spine aneurysmal bone cyst, because of the low cost-to-benefit ratio. Diagnosis must be certain, based on pathognomonic radiographic pattern or on histologic study.- In case of neurologic involvement, pathologic fracture, technical impossibility of performing embolization, or local recurrence after at least two embolization procedures, complete intralesional excision would be the therapy of choice.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Radiological features of 24 periosteal chondrosarcomas.

OBJECTIVE: To report the imaging findings of 24 periosteal chondrosarcomas diagnosed, staged, treated and followed in a single institution, to analyze and define their pattern, and discuss their practical consequences. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Plain films, 16 CT examinations and four MRI examinations were reviewed, and compared with the histological evaluation. RESULTS: There were 20 men and four women, aged from 17 to 65 years. Twelve lesions involved the distal femoral metaphyses (8 posteriorly), five the proximal humerus, two the proximal metaphyses of the femur and two of the tibia, two the humeral shafts and one the iliac wing. Size varied from 4 to 11 cm. The cortex was always involved (thick, 15; thin, 13). Typical cartilaginous calcifications and cartilaginous lobules were very frequent. Radial thick periosteal bone formations (n = 6) indicated calcifications between the lobules of cartilage. Medullary involvement was rare (n = 2). All patients are alive and free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing periosteal chondrosarcoma is of paramount importance because the prognosis is excellent after adequate local surgery alone. The patterns of other surface tumors of bone are usually different.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Metalloproteinase expression and prognosis in soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Degradation of extracellular matrix by tumor-associated proteases can promote cell invasion and metastasis. This study assessed the prognostic role of MMP2, MMP9 metalloproteinases, and of the metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP2, related to disease-free survival (DFS), in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Level and distribution of MMP2, MMP9, and TIMP2 expression were evaluated on 73 biopsies by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Biopsies included 29 liposarcomas, 29 synovial sarcomas, and 15 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Association between DFS and overall survival with different variables was assessed. RESULTS: In terms of DFS, increased MMP2 reactivity and lack of TIMP2 expression were significant for poor prognosis in all samples (P = 0.0005 and P = 0.006 respectively). MMP2 correlated to histologic grade (P = 0.005). Lack of TIMP2 expression was a poor prognostic factor for DFS in synovial sarcoma (P = 0.009), while MMP2 and MMP9 correlated with metastasis (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005, respectively) and grade (P = 0.001 and P = 0.04 respectively) in liposarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: These prognostic markers that influence growth and spread of tumor cells might be useful to define tumor aggressiveness and risk of the metastasic event.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Predictive factors of disease-free survival for non-metastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity: an analysis of 300 patients treated at the Rizzoli Institute.

BACKGROUND: To identify predictive factors of disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with non-metastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity, treated with primary chemotherapy and delayed surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The relationship between patient-related and treatment-related factors and prognosis was evaluated in 300 patients treated from 1986 to 1992 according to chemotherapy protocols based on high-dose methotrexate, cisplatin and doxorubicin, with the addition of ifosfamide in the post-operative phase. Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors for disease-free survival were performed. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 9.2 (4.4-12) years, eight-year DFS was 59% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 54-64.9). Univariate analyses showed that tumor volume > or = 150 ml (P = 0.002), histologic subtype (P = 0.028), age > 12 years (P = 0.044), high serum lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.044) and alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.064) levels adversely affected DFS. Gender of patients and site of tumor did not influence DFS. No differences in DFS were found among the three chemotherapy protocols, whereas the use of limb-sparing surgery vs. amputation or rotation plasty (P = 0.006) and a good histologic response to primary chemotherapy (P = 0.014) positively correlated with DFS. After multivariate analyses, tumor volume > or = 150 ml (P = 0.028), age > 12 years (P = 0.051), and histologic subtype (P = 0.052) retained prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with non-metastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the disease-free survival is significantly influenced by tumor volume, age, and histologic subtype.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Computed tomography of pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma: the less poor technique. A study of 51 patients with histological correlation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose is to evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in the pulmonary staging of osteosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients presenting with osteosarcoma and at initial CT considered metastatic to the chest had lung surgery. Two teams of two senior radiologists independently reviewed all CT examinations. Their results were compared to the histological studies. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen CT's were reviewed. The 2 teams found 247 and 268 nodules on the initial. and 143 and 146 nodules on the preoperative CT. Histological studies confirmed metastatic nodules in 29 patients. Two hundred four nodules were excised and studied. One hundred nine were metastases. The 22 patients without metastases had 53 negative nodules removed. In the 29 patients with metastases, 151 nodules were removed, and 42 were non-metastatic. The positive predictive value was 53% with regard to 'nodules', and 57% with regard to 'patients'. Only 4 out of 13 patients with one nodule at surgery were metastatic, but all patients with more than 7 nodules were metastatic. The 46 cases with several available CT's, showed that no change in the number of nodules was more frequent in benign lesions. Other criteria revealed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: CT positive predictive value is limited, but as surgery is the only way to cure metastatic patients, CT will still be used as the reference technique until a more specific approach can be found.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed2001

Simultaneous paired analysis of numerical chromosomal aberrations and DNA content in osteosarcoma.

Relatively little is known about the biologic relevance of numerical chromosomal changes in relation to DNA content in osteosarcoma. In this study, by using a series of human osteosarcoma cell lines, we standardized a method for the assessment, on the same nuclei specimen, of both specific chromosome copy numbers by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the DNA content by static cytofluorometry or image cytometry. On the same cell lines, we also evaluated the DNA content by using flow cytometry and the chromosome number distribution by metaphase analysis. Comparison between these different methods showed that DNA ploidy level as determined by FISH or metaphase analysis is frequently lower than the ploidy pattern as defined by cytometric methods. By using comparative genomic hybridization, we were able to demonstrate that these discrepancies were due to the presence of several unbalanced chromosome aberrations, specifically gains and high-level amplifications, which affect the total DNA content with less effect on the total chromosome number. Thus, evaluation of DNA ploidy in osteosarcoma cells is needed for a correct interpretation of FISH or cytogenetic data concerning numerical chromosomal changes. Evaluation of tumor ploidy in a series of clinical samples demonstrated that in high-grade osteosarcoma, flow cytometry sometimes may give false results because of the presence of high proportions of contaminating, nonneoplastic cells that cannot be excluded from the flow cytometric assessment but that do not interfere with the evaluation of DNA ploidy by static cytofluorometry or image cytometry, in which only tumor cells are selected for the analysis. The possibility of using this method to evaluate, on the same nuclei sample, both specific chromosomal aberrations and DNA ploidy may allow a better determination of numerical chromosomal changes that may be relevant for the biologic behavior of osteosarcoma.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of methods of loco-regional chemotherapy combined with systemic chemotherapy as neo-adjuvant treatment of osteosarcoma of the extremity.

AIM: Our experience of pre-operative intraarterial (i.a.) vs intravenous (i.v.) infusion of cisplatinum (CDP) in a multiagent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma of the extremity is reported. METHODS: Two successive randomized studies were performed. In the first, pre-operatively, CDP i.a. vs CDP i.v. was applied in combination with high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) and adriamycin (ADM) within a three-drug regimen. In the second, a combination of HDMTX, ADM and IFO, within a four-drug regimen was tested. RESULTS: The rate of responses to chemotherapy (tumour necrosis > or = 90%) was significantly higher (P<0.04) for the 142 patients treated with the four-drug regimen than in the 79 patients treated with a three-drug regimen (76%vs 62%). According to the route of CDP infusion, in the three-drug regimen the rate of responses was significantly higher (P=0.004) in patients treated with i.a. CDP (77%) than in patients treated i.v. (46%); with the four-drug regimen the rate of response was not significantly different in patients treated i.a. (81%) and in patients treated i.v. (71%). No significant differences in the rates of limb salvages, local recurrence and event-free survival (EFS) were seen between the i.a. and the i.v. groups. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of osteosarcoma of the extremity, the i.a. infusion of CDP does not offer any significant advantage when this drug is used within an aggressive, multiagent, pre-operative four-drug regimen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Histologic response of high-grade nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity to chemotherapy,.

In 510 patients with osteosarcoma of the extremity treated at the authors' institute between March 1983 and June 1995 with different regimens of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, factors that influenced the histologic response were investigated. The rate of total necrosis was not related to the patients' gender, age, site, size of tumor, serum of alkaline phosphatase values, or route of cisplatin administration. The histologic response significantly and independently correlated with the number of drugs administered before surgery and with the histologic subtype of the tumor. According to the number of drugs used, the percentage of total necrosis was 31% for a four-drug regimen, 18% for a three-drug regimen, and only 1.5% for a two-drug regimen. According to the histologic type, the rates of total necrosis were 41% for telangiectatic tumors, 36% for fibroblastic tumors, 15% for osteoblastic tumors, and 3% for chondroblastic tumors. The authors concluded that in neoadjuvant therapy of osteosarcoma, the histologic response to preoperative treatment, which correlates with prognosis, depends on the effectiveness of the chemotherapy regimen and on some features intrinsically inherent to the tumor. These data should be considered when selecting the type of treatment (adjuvant or neoadjuvant) and the combinations of drugs to be used in preoperative treatment of patients with osteosarcoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor I receptor increases the antitumor activity of doxorubicin and vincristine against Ewing's sarcoma cells.

Innovative treatment modalities are needed for Ewing's sarcoma (ES), a neoplasm with a disappointingly low survival rate despite the use of aggressive multimodal therapeutic approaches. We and others (D. Yee et al., J. Clin. Investig., 86: 1806-1814, 1990; K. Scotlandi et al., Cancer Res., 56: 4570-4574, 1996) have previously shown the existence and the pathogenetic relevance of an autocrine loop, mediated by the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), which is crucial for survival and proliferation of ES cells in vitro. Moreover, we reported that the IGF-IR-blocking monoclonal antibody (MAb), alphaIR3, as well as suramin, a drug that can interfere with growth factor by binding to the receptors, inhibited both the tumorigenic and the metastatic ability of ES cells in athymic mice. In this study, we analyzed whether agents that can block the IGF-IR-mediated loop are of value in association with conventional cytotoxic drugs for the design of more effective therapeutic regimens. Both alphaIR3 MAb and suramin treatment significantly increased the antitumor in vitro effects of doxorubicin and vincristine, two drugs with a leader action on ES. These findings were obtained by both simultaneous and sequential treatments. Analysis of the proliferation rate and of apoptosis revealed that alphaIR3 MAb and suramin significantly enhanced the G(1)-phase rate induced by doxorubicin, without substantially affecting doxorubicin-G(2)-M-blockage of cell cycle, and significantly increased the induction of apoptosis, which confirmed that the specific blockage of IGF-IR deprives ES cells of an important tool for the prevention of drug-induced apoptosis. Moreover, combination treatments of doxorubicin plus alphaIR3 MAb significantly increase the doxorubicin-induced impairment of the ability of ES cells to form colonies in soft agar. In conclusion, we showed that, in ES, the blockage of IGF-IR by a neutralizing MAb or by suramin may greatly potentiate the antitumor activity of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2000

Long-term outcome for patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity treated at the istituto ortopedico rizzoli according to the istituto ortopedico rizzoli/osteosarcoma-2 protocol: an updated report.

PURPOSE: To provide an estimate of long-term prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma of the extremity treated in a single institution with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and observed for at least 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity were preoperatively treated with high-dose methotrexate, cisplatin, and doxorubicin (ADM). Postoperatively, good responders (90% or more tumor necrosis) received the same three drugs used before surgery, whereas poor responders (less than 90% tumor necrosis) received ifosfamide and etoposide in addition to those three drugs. RESULTS: For the 164 patients who entered the study between September 1986 and December 1989, surgery was a limb salvage in 136 cases (82%) and a good histologic response was observed in 117 patients (71%). At a follow-up ranging from 10 to 13 years (median, 11.5 years), 101 patients (61%) remained continuously free of disease, 61 relapsed, and two died of ADM-induced cardiotoxicity. There were no differences in prognosis between good and poor responding patients. ADM-induced cardiotoxicity (six patients), male infertility (10 of the 12 assessable patients), and second malignancies (seven patients) were the major complications of chemotherapy. Despite the large number of limb salvages performed, only four local recurrences (2.4%) were registered. CONCLUSION: With an aggressive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, it is possible to cure more than 60% of patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity and amputation may be avoided in more than 80% of them. Because local or systemic relapses, myocardiopathies, and second malignancies are possible even 5 years or more after the beginning of treatment, a long-term follow-up is recommended for these patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

CD99 engagement: an effective therapeutic strategy for Ewing tumors.

CD99 is a Mr 32,000 transmembrane molecule that shows a high level of expression on cells of the hemopoietic system as well as on Ewing tumor cells. Within the hematopoietic system, CD99 has been implicated in cell adhesion and cell death, participating in this way in the differentiation of T-cell precursors. In this study, we demonstrate that engagement of CD99 significantly inhibits the in vitro and in vivo growth ability of Ewing tumor cells by delivering an apoptotic stimulus and reducing the malignant potential of these cells. Moreover, we show that anti-CD99 monoclonal antibodies may be advantageously used in association with conventional anticancer agents. These results provide a novel entry site for therapeutic intervention, which may have application in the care of patients with Ewing tumor, and warrant additional studies to clarify the molecular mechanisms activated by CD99 engagement.

12E7 Antigen↗
PubMed2000

Identification of EWS/FLI-1 transcripts in giant-cell tumor of bone.

The EWS/FLI-1 fusion gene, resulting from a t(11;22) translocation, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma. We demonstrate the presence of EWS/FLI-1 hybrid transcripts also in giant-cell tumor, a bone neoplasm featuring intermediate characteristics between benign and malignant lesions. Chimeric products were detected by semi-nested PCR after 2 cycles of amplification in 13/15 cases of giant-cell tumor, and their presence was confirmed by Southern and Western blots and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Moreover, 3/8 primary cultures of giant-cell tumor showed the same type of hybrid transcript observed in the original tumor sample. Sequencing of PCR products confirmed the presence of EWS and FLI-1 sequences in these products. Detection of EWS/FLI-1 fusion transcripts in giant-cell tumor of bone provides a model for the study of the transforming mechanisms of the EWS/FLI-1 fusion gene in mesenchymal tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Chondrosarcoma of the mobile spine: report on 22 cases.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 22 cases of chondrosarcoma arising from the mobile spine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of oncologic and surgical staging in correlating management and outcome of chondrosarcoma involving the spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Approximately 10% of chondrosarcomas arise from the mobile spine, occurring mainly in adults, particularly elderly men. The course of the disease depends on the aggressiveness of the tumor, but also is influenced by the management. Intralesional surgery is followed almost constantly by local recurrence even with adjuvant therapy. METHODS: All charts, radiographs, and images were reviewed. The composite information provided by this review allowed for oncologic and surgical staging of the reviewed cases. According to Enneking criteria, the surgical procedures were defined as curettage (piecemeal excision) or en blocexcision. The margins were submitted to histologic study and reported as intralesional, marginal, or wide. - As primary management, 10 intralesional curettages (follow-up period, 2-119 months; average, 61 months) and 12 en bloc excisions (follow-up period, 39-207 months; average, 97 months) were performed. A total of 33 procedures were performed, including the management of the recurrences (18 curettages and 15 en bloc excisions: one for soft tissue recurrence). A clinical and radiographic follow-up period of of 2 to 236 months (average, 81 months; minimal follow-up period for survivors, 30 months; average follow-up period for survivors, 115 months) was available for all the patients. RESULTS: Three recurrences occurred in 14 patients treated by en bloc excision at onset or for recurrence, two in cases of histologically proven contaminated or intralesional margins. All but one patient were alive at final follow-up evaluation. Conversely, all the patients treated by one or more curettages (with or without adjuvant radiation therapy) had at least one recurrence, and 8 of 10 of these patients died of the disease. At final follow-up evaluation, nine patients had died of the disease; nine were continuously disease free (but one had died of another unrelated malignancy); and four were symptom free after management for recurrences (one was found alive 155 months after a soft-tissue metastasis en-bloc excision). CONCLUSIONS: En bloc excision, with wide or marginal histologic margins, is the suggested management for chondrosarcomas of the spine. Early diagnosis and careful surgical staging and planning are necessary for conducting adequate management. However, tumor contamination of the specimen margins, even in a small area, or spreading of the tumor myxoid content can worsen the prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Changes of the p16 gene but not the p53 gene in human chondrosarcoma tissues.

The role of two important tumour suppressor genes, p16 and p53, was evaluated in cartilaginous tumour tissues. Genomic DNA from 22 chondrosarcomas, 5 benign chondroid tumours, 1 sample of reactive proliferative cartilage and 2 samples of normal cartilage were analysed using polymerase chain reaction, single strand conformational polymorphism, DNA sequencing and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The p16 gene was found to be partly methylated in 5 high-grade chondrosarcomas and homozygously deleted in 1 chondrosarcoma. Moreover, a polymorphism was detected in 3 malignant tumours, but not in benign tumours or normal cartilage. Analysis of the p53 gene revealed an unchanged structure in all samples. These findings show a role for p16, but not p53, in chondrosarcoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Presence and expression of the simian virus-40 genome in human giant cell tumors of bone.

SV40 DNA sequences have been found in human tumors, such as mesotheliomas, ependymomas, and bone tumors, suggesting that SV40 may be involved in their etiology. The FOS oncogene could play an important role in bone development because SV40 is able to induce FOS in cell culture. In this study, the presence of SV40 sequences, large T antigen (Tag), and FOS protein expression were investigated in 120 giant cell tumors (GCTs), moderately benign bone tumors that in some cases can progress to a malignant phenotype. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using primers that amplify the RB1 pocket binding domain and the intron of Tag, was used to analyze GCT for the presence of SV40 DNA. Tag and FOS protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. SV40 sequences were found in 30/107 GCTs, and of these, 22/30 samples expressed Tag protein (73%) and 15/30 overexpressed the FOS oncogene (50%). FOS was undetectable in 77 SV40-negative GCTs. Sequence analysis of the amplified DNAs confirmed that the amplified sequences corresponded to SV40 DNA. The correlation between FOS overexpression and SV40-positive GCTs was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). These results show that SV40 DNA sequences and SV40 Tag are present in GCTs and might induce FOS activity. These data suggest that SV40 might play a role in the development and progression of some GCTs.

Adult↗