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Thromboembolism in children with sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolism (TE) is a common complication and cause of death in adults with cancer. Cancer has been identified as a major risk factor in children with TE. However, the information regarding the epidemiology of TE in children with cancer, especially in association with childhood solid tumors, is scant. OBJECTIVE: To define the prevalence and epidemiology of TE in children with sarcoma. PROCEDURE: Hospital records of children </=18 years of age with sarcoma diagnosed and treated at McMaster Children's Hospital during January 1990 to December 2005 were reviewed for demographic details, details of diagnosis and therapy for sarcoma, and details of diagnosis and management of TE. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact t-test. RESULTS: Ten of 70 (14.3%; 95% CI; 7.1, 24.7) patients with sarcoma developed symptomatic TE. Patients with CVL-dysfunction (n = 9) were at significantly higher risk for symptomatic TE compared to those without CVL dysfunction (n = 61) (55.5 vs. 8.2%; P = 0.002, 95% CI; 14.2, 80.5). Patients with pulmonary disease (n = 23) had higher prevalence of TE compared to those without pulmonary disease (n = 47) (26 vs.8.5%; P = 0.07, 95% CI; -2.06, 37.2). Older patients, patients with metastatic disease and those with Ewing sarcoma had higher prevalence of TE. CONCLUSIONS: TE is a significant complication in children with sarcoma. Over 50% of patients with CVL dysfunction had symptomatic TE; such patients may warrant careful evaluation for associated TE. Large prospective studies are needed to define the epidemiology and identify risk factors predisposing to TE in children with sarcoma.

Adolescent↗

Cervical sarcomas: an analysis of incidence and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical sarcomas are exceedingly rare neoplasms associated with a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to examine the treatment and outcome of women with cervical sarcomas. METHODS: A hospital-based tumor registry was searched to identify all patients with cervical sarcomas treated between 1986 and 2003. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. All pathologic specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist. RESULTS: Among 1583 with cervical malignancies, 8 cervical sarcomas were identified. All patients presented with vaginal bleeding. The lesions were clinically staged as IB1 (2), IB2 (4), IIIA (1), and IIIB (1). Five of the tumors were carcinosarcomas. Other histologies included sarcoma NOS (12.5%), leiomyosarcoma (12.5%), and endometrial stromal sarcoma (12.5%). Initial treatment included surgery in 5 patients, radiation in 2, and chemoradiation in 1. Six patients were treated with curative intent, 5 received adjuvant therapy. While both patients treated palliatively died from progressive disease, the other 6 patients remain alive after a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Two patients have recurred. One patient underwent a thoracotomy for an isolated pulmonary metastasis and is alive with no evidence of disease. The second patient developed pulmonary metastases and is alive 8 months after recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical sarcomas are rare neoplasms. Most patients present with vaginal bleeding and a palpable cervical mass. While the optimal management of these tumors is uncertain, aggressive primary therapy can result in prolonged survival and cure.

Adult↗

Surface antigens of mammalian sarcoma virus-transformed nonproducer cells.

In vitro, clonal BALB/3T3 mouse cells were transformed into nonproductive sarcoma cells by Kirsten murine sarcoma virus. The resulting cells are called K-BALB. Similarly, the Kirsten sarcoma virus and woolly monkey sarcoma virus transformed normal rat embryonic kidney (NRK) cells to nonproductive sarcoma cells K-NRK and W-NRK, respectively. The presence of sarcoma cell surface antigen (SCSA) on these three different cell lines has been examined by immunoelectron microscopy using the rabbit anti-K-BALB, anti-K-NRK, and anti-W-NRK sera preabsorbed with normal embryonic rat cells, NRK cells, and BALB/3T3 cells. Four different specific sarcoma cell surface antigens have been demonstrated: SCSAa, an antigen specific to the surface of W-NRK cells; SCSAb, a surface antigen common to K-NRK and W-NRK cells; SCSAc, a surface antigen common to K-BALB and W-NRK cells; and SCSAd, a surface antigen broadly reactive with the rabbit antisera to W-NRK, K-NRK, and K-BALB.

Animals↗

Grading of spindle cell sarcomas in fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens.

We studied whether histologic criteria for grading sarcomas could be applied to fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens of adult spindle cell sarcomas, without knowledge of the sarcoma subtype, by reviewing 36 specimens. Grade 1 was assigned for minimal nuclear atypia and overlap, no necrosis, and rare mitotic figures, and grade 2 for moderate nuclear atypia, at least moderate nuclear overlap, appreciable mitotic figures, and necrosis. Severe nuclear atypia distinguished grade 3 from grade 2. A major noncorrelation between FNAB and histologic grades was defined as a misclassification of grade 1 vs grade 2 or 3. FNAB grades assigned were grade 1, 1; grade 2, 25; and grade 3, 10. There was 1 major noncorrelation due to a probable FNAB interpretation error. In 15 of 16 FNAB specimens of grade 2 or 3 sarcomas lacking mitotic figures, necrosis, or both, the nuclear atypia reflected the grade. In the remaining case, the degree of nuclear overlap and necrosis determined the grade. The histologic grading of sarcomas can be applied accurately to most FNAB specimens of spindle cell sarcomas without knowledge of the sarcoma subtype.

Adult↗

Localized and disseminated histiocytic sarcoma of dendritic cell origin in dogs.

Canine histiocytic proliferative disorders include a wide spectrum of diseases characterized by different biologic behaviors. The etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases are largely unknown. The clinicopathologic, morphologic and immunophenotypic characteristics of canine localized and disseminated histiocytic sarcoma were examined in 39 dogs. Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and retrievers were most commonly affected (79%). Localized histiocytic sarcomas (19 dogs) arose from a single site, and metastatic lesions were observed in draining lymph nodes. Predilection sites were subcutis and underlying tissues on extremities, but tumors occurred in other locations, including spleen, lung, brain, nasal cavity, and bone marrow. Disseminated histiocytic sarcomas (20 dogs), a multisystem disease previously described as malignant histiocytosis, primarily affected spleen, lungs, bone marrow, liver, and lymph nodes. Both localized and disseminated canine histiocytic sarcomas were composed of pleomorphic tumor cell populations. CD1+, CD4-, CD11c+, CD11d-, MHC II+, ICAM-1 +, Thy-1 +/- tumor cells were identified in all snap-frozen samples (31 dogs). This phenotype is characteristic for myeloid dendritic antigen-presenting cell lineage. Hence, canine localized and disseminated histiocytic sarcomas are likely myeloid dendritic cell sarcomas. Dendritic antigen-presenting cells are a heterogeneous cell population with regards to their ontogeny, phenotype, function, and localization. The exact sublineage of the proliferating dendritic antigen-presenting cells involved in canine histiocytic sarcomas remains to be determined. Phenotypic analysis of formalin-fixed tissues from eight dogs was limited by available markers. Morphologic features and the phenotype CD18+, CD3-, and CD79a- were the most useful criteria to indicate likely histiocytic origin.

Animals↗

[Evidence-based chemotherapy for patients with bone and soft part sarcoma].

In the present paper, we review the evidence for chemotherapy in patients with bone and soft part sarcoma and discuss the contributions and improvements made by chemotherapy to the treatment of patients with bone and soft part sarcoma. In the osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma family, neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy have improved the 5-year disease-free survival to 60%, and limb-salvage operations have improved this to 70-80% in cases of non-metastatic malignant bone tumor. Several trials were conducted in order to overcome rate relapses and metastatic bone sarcoma. With osteosarcoma, thoracotomy improved the survival of lung metastatic patients, but CDDP-ADM branch switched according to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and failed to elevate the continuous disease-free survival of patients. Dose intensive use of cytotoxic drugs with G-CSF or autologous bone marrow transplantation and multidrug programs were conducted in preliminary studies and achieved favorable results in a high risk factors group for tumors of the Ewing's sarcoma family. Surgical techniques have brought improvements in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, but there has been no impact by chemotherapy. Ifosfamide and adriamycin combination is being evaluated in the treatment of local advanced and metastatic soft part sarcoma by local control rate or survival from relapse.

Bone Neoplasms↗

Characteristics and outcome of children with primary soft tissue sarcomas of extremities.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the characteristics and outcome or patients with primary soft tissue sarcomas of extremities in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients treated for soft tissues sarcomas were enrolled into the study. Features analysed: the incidence of soft tissues sarcoma of extremities, the time from first clinical symptoms to making the diagnosis, the primary site of tumour; histopathologic type of tumour, stage of disease, methods and results of the treatment. RESULTS: The time From first symptoms to making the diagnosis was 5.4 months (mean). The site of the tumour was the femur in 6 patients, arm in 3, knee in 1. Histopathologic types: synovial sarcoma in 4 patients, malignant haemangiopericytoma in 2, rhabdomyosarcoma in 2, sarcoma myogenes in 1, primitive neuroectodermal tumour in l. Stage of disease: III deg. -- 8 patients, IV deg. -- 2. Patients underwent treatment according to the soft tissue sarcoma protocols. Results of treatment: first complete remission was observed in 7 patients; second complete remission in 1, one patient is on postoperative treatment. One patient died. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Combined treatment achieves full remission in the majority of patients with soft tissues sarcomas localized within the limbs. 2. In patients with large tumours (>5 cm) the treatment should to be started with inductive chemotherapy, and the surgery should be postponed. 3. Early excision of the tumour should be considered in cases of small tumours (< 5 cm), when resection with wide margin of healthy tissues is possible, without deteriorating the function of the limb or cosmetic damage.

Adolescent↗

Immunology of sarcomas.

There is evidence for common sarcoma antigens expressed on a variety of sarcomas of bone and soft tissues. Antibodies and cell-mediated responses to sarcoma-associated if not sarcoma-specific antigens have been demonstrated in tumor-bearing patients. Antibodies have also been found in contacts and parents of affected individuals. Common antigenicity and a response to sarcoma antigens by ostensibly normal individuals provide circumstantial evidence for a viral etiology, supported by experiments inducing sarcomas with known viruses in rodents. Immunotherapy that takes advantage of the immunogenicity of sarcomas is in its infancy, but has significant promise.

Animals↗

Stage-dependent induction of prenatal tumors in mice by the Kirsten and Moloney strains of murine sarcoma viruses.

The Moloney (MoMSV) and Kirsten (KiMSV) strains of murine sarcoma viruses are known to induce mesenchymal sarcomas upon infection of newborn rodents. To determine their activity in mouse embryos, 11- to 15-day-pregnant CD-1 mice were laparotomized, and the single implants were inoculated into the abdominal portion of the embryonal body with an average of 15 and 1500 focus-forming particles/g of body weight of the MoMSV and KiMSV viruses, respectively. Another group of less than 1-day-old pups was given a comparable amount of either virus. Tumors appeared in the young within the first few weeks of life with incidences and histological types dependent on the gestational day and the viral strain inoculated. Mixed mesenchymal sarcomas at or near the site of inoculation and vascular tumors of the brain were by far the most frequent neoplasms observed in the newborn. With MoMSV there was an increased incidence of sarcomas with advancing age at treatment, being 0% at 11 days of pregnancy and 96% in newborn (P for trend, less than 0.025). By contrast, KiMSV caused an incidence of sarcomas below 20% throughout (P for trend, greater than 0.05). Brain tumors were identified in the several MoMSV and KiMSV groups, with a peak value of 43% following the inoculation of both viruses into 13- and 15-day-old embryos, respectively. While the total incidence of these tumors was significantly different from controls, no positive trend by day of treatment was found among the MoMSV and KiMSV viruses (P less than 0.05). The tumors were mainly capillary angiomas, but a few cavernous angiomas were also detected. In addition, eight pups which were given injections of both viruses at developmental Days 11 to 13 had tumors of the choroid plexus. In many instances, newborn pups were affected by multiple vascular abnormalities of the brain, including capillary telangiectases and multiple hemorrhagic areas. No such lesions nor tumors at any site were found among the control animals. The present results are important not only because of the evidence that Swiss embryos respond selectively to the carcinogenic effects by murine sarcoma viruses, but also because they offer the opportunity to dissect directly in vivo the mechanisms underlying the stage-related sensitivity of prenatal mice to oncogenic retroviruses.

Animals↗

Cancer incidence after retinoblastoma. Radiation dose and sarcoma risk.

CONTEXT: There is a substantial risk of a second cancer for persons with hereditary retinoblastoma, which is enhanced by radiotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To examine long-term risk of new primary cancers in survivors of childhood retinoblastoma and quantify the role of radiotherapy in sarcoma development. DESIGN: Cohort incidence study of patients with retinoblastoma followed for a median of 20 years, and nested case-control study of a radiation dose-response relationship for bone and soft tissue sarcomas. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1604 patients with retinoblastoma who survived at least 1 year after diagnosis, identified from hospital records in Massachusetts and New York during 1914 to 1984. RESULTS: Incidence of subsequent cancers was statistically significantly elevated only in the 961 patients with hereditary retinoblastoma, in whom 190 cancers were diagnosed, vs 6.3 expected in the general population (relative risk [RR], 30 [95% confidence interval, 26-47]). Cumulative incidence (+/-SE) of a second cancer at 50 years after diagnosis was 51.0% (+/-6.2%) for hereditary retinoblastoma, and 5.0% (+/-3.0%) for nonhereditary retinoblastoma. All 114 sarcomas of diverse histologic types occurred in patients with hereditary retinoblastoma. For soft tissue sarcomas, the RRs showed a stepwise increase at all dose categories, and were statistically significant at 10 to 29.9 Gy and 30 to 59.9 Gy. A radiation risk for all sarcomas combined was evident at doses above 5 Gy, rising to 10.7-fold at doses of 60 Gy or greater (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Genetic predisposition has a substantial impact on risk of subsequent cancers in retinoblastoma patients, which is further increased by radiation treatment. A radiation dose-response relationship is demonstrated for all sarcomas and, for the first time in humans, for soft tissue sarcomas. Retinoblastoma patients should be examined for new cancers and followed into later life to determine whether their extraordinary cancer risk extends to common cancers of adulthood.

Adolescent↗

Dual-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of synovial sarcoma.

Mounting cytogenetic evidence indicates that synovial sarcomas, regardless of histological conformation, share the specific reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2). Application of dual-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on interphase nuclei isolated from archival paraffin-embedded material to identify the specific translocation is of diagnostic importance for pathological practice and retrospective study. Five cases of well-characterized biphasic synovial sarcomas, two monophasic fibrous synovial sarcomas, one embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, one fibrosarcoma, and one malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour were analysed. To visualize the translocated chromosomal fragments and their topographic relationships with centromeres of chromosomes X and 18, nuclei from each case were hybridized concurrently with chromosome X centromeric and chromosome 18 painting probes, and chromosome 18 centromeric and chromosome X painting probes, respectively. Six out of seven synovial sarcomas showed chromosomal alterations consistent with t(X;18). One biphasic synovial sarcoma had trisomy 18 and lacked the chromosomal translocation t(X;18). The other three spindle cell sarcomas and the normal control tissues showed the normal numerical and structural composition for chromosomes X and 18. It is indicated from the present study that when histological differential diagnosis is difficult, FISH would be a crucial aid in detecting a known specific chromosomal alteration and that dual-colour FISH is an efficient stable diagnostic tool for pathological research and daily diagnosis. The results also suggest that rare synovial sarcomas may lack the chromosomal translocation t(X;18). 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Adult↗

Surgical treatment of lung metastases: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group study of 255 patients.

BACKGROUND: Several reports have shown a prolonged survival after surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcomas. However, it is still unclear which prognostic factors predict a favorable outcome. Series are not comparable and the data are conflicting. Therefore, a multi-institutional study was undertaken to analyze prognostic factors in selecting patients for resection of pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: This report is a retrospective study of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group. Two hundred fifty-five patients underwent complete resection of lung metastases from soft tissue sarcomas. Cases with chondrosarcoma and small round cell sarcomas like Ewing sarcoma were excluded. RESULTS: The 3 year and 5 year overall postmetastasectomy survival rates were 54% and 38%, respectively. The disease free postmetastasectomy survival rates were 42% and 35%, respectively. Analysis of prognostic factors for a more favorable outcome revealed disease free intervals of 2.5 years or more, following a resection with microscopically free margins, age less than 40 years, and Grade I and II tumors. These prognostic factors have an independent influence on overall survival, using a multivariate Cox regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision of lung metastases from soft tissue sarcomas is well accepted and should be considered as a first line of treatment if preoperative evaluation indicates that complete clearance of the metastases is possible. Further investigation is needed before chemotherapy can be recommended as additional therapy.

Adolescent↗

Exogenous sex hormone use, correlates of endogenous hormone levels, and the incidence of histologic types of sarcoma of the uterus.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed data from a population-based, multi-center, case-control study to determine whether the occurrence of histologic types of uterine sarcoma is related to exogenous hormone use and/or to two correlates of endogenous estrogens: excess weight and cigarette smoking. METHODS: One hundred sixty-seven women with newly-diagnosed uterine sarcoma (56 leiomyosarcoma, 85 mixed mullerian tumors, and 26 endometrial stromal sarcomas) were interviewed by telephone regarding possible risk factors for these neoplasms, For comparison, 208 women identified at random from the general population of the study areas were interviewed as controls. RESULTS: Use of oral contraceptives was positively associated with the risk of leiomyosarcoma (odds ratios [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7, 4.1), primarily among women who last used these medications 15 or more years prior to diagnosis. Use of noncontraceptive estrogens was directly associated with the risk of mixed mullerian tumors, but only among recent and long-term users of these medications. Women in the highest quantile of body mass index (> or = 27.5 kg/m2) one year prior to diagnosis were at increased risk of each type of uterine sarcoma (leiomyosarcoma, OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1, 5.7; mixed mullerian tumors, OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.3, 6.7; stromal sarcoma, OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.1, 10.9). Women who had ever smoked cigarettes were at reduced risk of leiomyosarcoma (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.3, 1.1) and stromal sarcoma (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.2, 1.2), but the relationship was not more pronounced among heavy smokers; no association with smoking was observed with mixed mullerian tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Several of these findings parallel those from studies of endometrial carcinoma and may indicate a role for unopposed estrogen in the etiology of histologic types of uterine sarcoma.

Adolescent↗

Cutaneous melanoma in patients with sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The authors became interested in an association between cutaneous melanoma and sarcoma when they reviewed their experience with other malignancies occurring in patients with a diagnosis of sarcoma. METHODS: The authors identified 48 patients with both melanoma and bone or soft tissue sarcoma (STS) by a computer search of all sarcoma patients entered into their institution's cancer registry between 1943 and 1996 who had an additional diagnosis of melanoma. The medical records were reviewed and clinical and pathologic data collected. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 46 years for patients with melanoma and 50 years for patients with sarcoma, which was consistent with population-based data. Among patients with STS (n = 41), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNT) were more common in patients with both diagnoses (5 of 41; 13%) when compared with all adults with STS admitted to the study center between 1982 to date (125 of 2901; 4%; P < 0.05). Liposarcoma occurred in only 1 patient with both melanoma and STS (1 of 41; 2%), despite the fact that it was the most common histologic diagnosis in all adults with STS (625 of 2901; 22%; P < 0.001). The anatomic site of STS was more commonly visceral (11 of 41; 27%) when compared with all adults with STS (424 of 2901; 15%; P < 0.05). A positive family history of cancer was noted in 50% of the patients, and 25% of patients had a third primary tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Although a distinct "melanoma/sarcoma" syndrome was not identified, MPNT as well as visceral sarcomas were more common than expected in this study. The authors also noted strong family histories of cancer as well as additional primary malignancies in patients with melanoma and sarcoma, suggesting a predisposition toward cancer.

Adolescent↗

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of sarcoma: retrospective review of diagnostic utility and specificity.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA) is useful because of its low cost, quick turn around time, and low incidence of complications. This study investigates the role FNA plays in the evaluation of sarcoma. We reviewed all the pathologic material from patients with sarcoma or a FNA diagnosis suggestive of sarcoma at the University of California-Davis Medical Center (1985-1994). Fifty-two of 196 patients identified (26.5%) were evaluated with FNA exhibiting 46 soft tissue and 6 bone lesions located in the extremities (19), trunk (19), head and neck (8), retroperitoneum (3), and abdominal cavity (3). Among 196 patients identified, those evaluated by FNA had soft tissue rather than bone lesions (P < .001) and primary sites other than in the extremities (P < .001). The primary neoplasms for the 52 FNA patients included 47 sarcomas (10 malignant fibrous histiocytomas and 16 other types), 1 intramuscular myxoma, 2 lymphomas, and 2 spindle cell (sarcomatoid) carcinomas. In 43 patients (22% of total), FNA was used first, before a primary diagnosis. The FNA report showed the correct specific neoplasm in only 20.9%. However, the FNA reports reflected an effective positive diagnosis leading to appropriate diagnostic biopsy in 88.4%, while only 7.0% were misleading (benign or inflammatory) and 4.6% inadequate. Review of FNA slides for 32 of 43 patients in which FNA was used first, in a blinded fashion, exhibited 21.9% specificity for the specific neoplasm, and 88.4% effective positive diagnoses. In 9 patients, FNA was utilized to investigate recurrence. Five out of 5 instances of recurrent sarcoma were identified by FNA. However, FNA misidentified recurrence in 3/4 instances, exhibiting suspicious cells from regenerating skeletal muscle (2) and a traumatic neuroma (1). The specific diagnosis for sarcomas is challenging even with surgical material. FNA usually does not provide a specific diagnosis (only in 20.9% of cases) and review of routinely prepared slides showed the same specificity as reflected by the original FNA report, at times formulated with the benefit of immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy. FNA effectively evaluated lesions in 45 of 52 patients (86.5%), confirming the useful screening role for this technique in sarcomas.

Adult↗

Spindle cell squamous carcinomas and sarcoma-like tumors of the skin: a comparative study of 38 cases.

Thirty-eight cutaneous lesions previously diagnosed as spindle cell squamous carcinoma, "atypical fibroxanthoma," or dermal sarcoma are presented. Two patients had two lesions each; thus, there were 36 patients. Cases of spindle cell melanoma (including desmoplastic melanoma), sarcoma of subcutaneous origin, and "neuroid sarcoma" were excluded. On review, the lesions fell into two categories: (1) those with a definite component of invasive squamous carcinoma in addition to sarcoma-like areas (8 cases), and (2) those in which such a squamous component was not identified (30 cases). Cases in the former group were considered proven spindle cell squamous carcinomas, while those in the latter group were designated noncommittally as sarcoma-like tumors. Almost all patients were white and over 40 years of age. Four sarcoma-like tumors (from three patients) arose in areas previously treated with x-ray and all but two (both spindle cell squamous carcinomas) of the remainder in both categories arose in sun-damaged skin. Prognosis did not differ significantly between the two categories but depended primarily on the depth of invasion. Two of two tumors that extended into bone and four of seven that invaded skeletal muscle caused death; all of those involving only dermis (24) or dermis and subcutis (five) were successfully extirpated. Origin in an area that had received x-ray was also an unfavorable prognostic indicator; all three patients whose lesions arose in such areas died of tumor. This may have been related to depth of invasion because the three fatal postradiation sarcoma-like tumors all invaded muscle. It was concluded that the distinction between spindle cell squamous carcinoma and "atyical fibroxanthoma" is of little prognostic import per se, but rather that prognosis is primarily dependent on the depth of invasion and, perhaps, the type of antecedent irradiation.

Adult↗

The evaluation of trends in soft tissue sarcoma according to diagnostic criteria and consumption of phenoxy herbicides.

The possible association between exposure to phenoxy herbicides and development of soft tissue sarcomas has been studied in both case-control and cohort studies. In these studies soft tissue sarcoma cases have been identified from either deaths with malignant neoplasms of the connective tissue (ICD-8 171) as the underlying cause of death, from incident cancer cases with the same topography code, or from incident cases of extraskeletal sarcomas, excluding lympho and reticulosarcomas. The current study shows that the choice of source material has a considerable influence on the registered occurrence of soft tissue sarcomas in a well defined population. In 1978 to 1982 an annual number of 33 deaths from ICD-8 171 was registered in Denmark, whereas the annual number of diagnosed extraskeletal sarcomas was 231. The distribution over histologic types differed between tumours coded to the connective tissue and extraskeletal sarcomas coded to specific organs. Furthermore, during the period 1943 to 1982 the mortality from ICD-8 171 increased slightly, whereas the incidence from all extraskeletal sarcomas decreased slightly, except for males since 1970. Time trends based on any of the three source materials should, however, be interpreted with caution.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Expression of disialogangliosides GD2 and GD3 on human soft tissue sarcomas.

METHODS: Fifty-six freshly frozen human sarcomas were studied for expression of disialogangliosides by avidin-biotin immunohistochemical staining with purified monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) 3F8 (antidisialoganglioside GD2) and R24 (antidisialoganglioside GD3). RESULTS: Ninety-three percent of the tumors tested by the immunohistochemical staining expressed GD2 and 88% expressed GD3. The intensity of expression varied among sarcomas of different histologic types. Liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, leiomyosarcoma, and spindle cell sarcoma reacted strongly with 3F8 and R24. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma demonstrated substantially weaker staining by either MoAb. Weakly reactive or nonreactive tumors were, in general, high-grade or metastatic sarcomas. Ganglioside extraction and thin-layer chromatography/immunothin-layer chromatography of two liposarcomas confirmed the identities of these gangliosides. CONCLUSIONS: GD2 and GD3 may indicate sites for MoAb-targeted imaging and therapy for sarcomas. The association of a diminished stainability by 3F8 and R24 with aggressive sarcomas may indicate prognostic significance.

Gangliosides↗