Metastatic desmoplastic small round cell tumor controlled by an anthracycline-based regimen: review of the role of chemotherapy

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) are rare and aggressive malignant neoplasms that usually occur in young males. They usually present intraabdominally with widespread peritoneal involvement at diagnosis and are sometimes associated with lymphadenopathies and liver metastases. Intraabdominal DSRCT is usually disseminated; no curative outcome has yet been achieved. We report a case of metastatic intraabdominal DSRCT controlled by an anthracycline-based regimen. A literature review of the treatment options, mainly chemotherapy, available for this unusual neoplasm, will be discussed. In patients with unresectable or metastatic disease, symptom control is most important because treatment modalities minimally impact survival. Palliative chemotherapy (mainly monotherapy) is preferable.

Primary carcinosarcoma of the skin

Primary cutaneous carcinosarcoma is a biphasic tumour containing both malignant epithelial and malignant mesenchymal elements. The disease is a rare malignant skin tumour of unknown aetiology with significant potential to recur locally and to metastasise. Surgery is the primary therapeutic modality. We describe an unusual case of primary cutaneous Carcinosarcoma localised in the hand.

EGFR, p16INK4a and E-cadherin immuno-histochemistry and EGFR point mutations analyses in invasive cervical cancer specimens from Moroccan women

The involvement of human papillomavirus in the development of cervical cancer has been firmly established. However, better management of cervical cancer rests on good diagnosis and an effective therapy. In this study we evaluated the frequency of point mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) for future use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in clinical treatment and to assess the use of EGFR, p16INK4a and E-cadherin as biomarkers in cervical cancer diagnosis with immunohistochemistry. Fifty-three patient specimens of cervical cancer were analysed for HPV infection, for EGFR mutations in exons 18 through 21, and for expression of EGFR, p16INK4a and E-cadherin by immunostaining. Results showed that 79.24% of the cases (42/53) are HPV positive and the HPV types more closely associated with risk are HPV 16 and 18. In all 53 analysed specimens, any mutation affecting the EGFR kinase domain in exons 18 through 21 was observed. Expressions of EGFR, p16INK4a and E-cadherin were detected in 88,67% (47/53), 92,45% (49/53) and 79,24% (42/53) of analysed specimens respectively. Thus, EGFR, p16INK4a and E-cadherin would be excellent tools for IHC analysis during the cervical cancer development. EGFR and p16INK4a can be used for early diagnosis and E-cadherin for cancer progression and cell migration. However, treatment of cervical cancer with TKIs may not be effective and the identification of other EGFR inhibitors is needed.

Stimulatory effects of atorvastatin on extracellular nucleotide degradation in human endothelial cells

Endothelial degradation of extracellular nucleotides is known to be an important mechanism in regulation of thrombosis, inflammation and immune response. It is possible that this pathway is a target for pleiotropic drugs such as atorvastatin. We studied therefore the effect of atorvastatin on extracellular nucleotide degradation in human endothelial cells. Atorvastatin treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) resulted in significant increase in ATP breakdown and adenosine formation both if analysed in intact cell studies and as enzyme activity in cell lysates. We conclude that one of the beneficial effects of atorvastatin may include acceleration of extracellular nucleotide breakdown. This will attenuate nucleotide mediated pro-inflammatory effect and stimulate protective mechanisms of adenosine.

Carcinosarcome de la peau

BACKGROUND

Carcinosarcoma of skin is a biphasic tumor composed of intimately admixed malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. Various terms have been used to designate these tumors (metaplastic carcinoma, pseudosarcoma, spindle cell carcinoma, etc.). However, the histogenetic conception has changed and carcinosarcoma is currently regarded as authentic sarcomatoid carcinoma.

CASE REPORT

The authors report the case of a 32-year-old women initially presenting with a budding and ulcerating tumor at the site of an old cutaneous scar on the right leg. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation led to a diagnosis of cutaneous carcinosarcoma. One month after treatment, the patient developed inguinal lymph node metastasis.

DISCUSSION

Our case and a review of other cases in the literature confirm the dual epithelial and sarcomatous phenotype of sarcomatoid carcinoma. Progressive transition between the cells of the two components on microscopic analysis and their positive immunostaining for anti-p53 antibody suggest a clonal origin of the tumor. The carcinomatous component seems to influence the course of the disease with the development of metastases, particularly at the lymph nodes. It thus seems advisable to combine lymphadenectomy with surgical tumor excision.