Hindquarter amputation for pelvic tumors. The importance of patient selection

Twenty-two patients underwent hindquarter amputation with curative intent for malignant or locally aggressive tumors of the pelvis (21 cases) or proximal thigh (one case). In all cases, the ilium was resected, and in seven cases an osteotomy of the sacrum was done to achieve negative surgical margins. Only six wounds healed without complications. The worst wound problems occurred in patients requiring ligation of the common iliac vessels and in those requiring a sacral osteotomy. Twelve patients have died of disease, two are alive with extensive pulmonary metastases, and one remains well after excision of a local tumor recurrence. Thirteen of 14 patients with high grade sarcoma had metastases develop, compared with only one of eight patients with low grade sarcoma. Eight patients (all with high grade sarcoma) died within 1 year of surgery. Seven patients have remained disease free at a mean of 39 months after surgery. Given the poor prognosis and high morbidity after amputation in high grade sarcoma, the authors think that consideration should be given to pursuing nonoperative management in patients with large, high grade sarcomas and significant medical extension to the sacroiliac joint or sacrum.

MR imaging of primary lymphoma of bone: variability of T2-weighted signal intensity

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the MR imaging characteristics of primary lymphoma of bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of 27 patients with histologic and clinical evidence of primary lymphoma of bone were retrospectively reviewed. Nineteen of these patients underwent MR imaging before surgical biopsy and initiation of therapy. Fifteen of the 19 patients underwent conventional spin-echo T1- and T2-weighted imaging, and the other four patients underwent T1-weighted and fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging with fat saturation. MR images were separately and independently reviewed by two observers for signal intensity characteristics and homogeneity on T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Signal intensity characteristics were correlated with semiquantitative histopathologic assessments of tumor fibrosis, maturity of fibrosis, and vascularity.

RESULTS

T1-weighted signal intensity ranged from isointense to hypointense relative to muscle for all lesions. Twelve of 19 cases showed heterogeneity of signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Predominant tumor T2-weighted signal intensities relative to fat for the 19 patients were assessed as hypointense (observer 1, n = 3; observer 2, n = 1), isointense (observer 1, n = 10; observer 2, n = 11), and hyperintense (observer 1, n = 6; observer 2, n = 7). No correlation among intralesional fibrosis, maturity of fibrosis, or intralesional vascularity and T2-weighted signal intensity characteristics was found.

CONCLUSION

T2-weighted MR imaging characteristics of primary lymphoma of bone vary and do not seem to be a simple reflection of histologic findings of intralesional vascularity or fibrosis.

Function after subtotal scapulectomy for neoplasm of bone and soft tissue

We describe the functional results in 14 patients (7 men, 7 women) after subtotal scapulectomy for primary bone and soft-tissue tumours at a specialist musculoskeletal oncology unit. Eight had chondrosarcomas, two Ewing’s sarcomas, one aggressive fibromatosis and three soft-tissue sarcomas. The mean follow-up was 52 months (6 to 120). Analysis of residual symptoms and of range and strength of movement by physicians used the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society rating scale (MSTS). Physical disability was measured by the patients using the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS).

All 14 patients are still alive, two with systemic disease. Nine had more than 80% of their scapula resected but the glenohumeral joint was preserved in all cases. Eight had full movement and another two achieved 90° of flexion. The mean functional results were good to excellent in all except three patients (mean MSTS = 71.6 and TESS = 79.9). Two of these three patients had considerable pain as a result of brachial neuropathy.

Scapulectomy gives an excellent functional result if the glenohumeral joint is preserved. The rotator cuff could be removed without a severe functional deficit provided that the deltoid was reattached to the scapular remnant and the trapezius.

Function after subtotal scapulectomy for neoplasm of bone and soft tissue

We describe the functional results in 14 patients (7 men, 7 women) after subtotal scapulectomy for primary bone and soft-tissue tumours at a specialist musculoskeletal oncology unit. Eight had chondrosarcomas, two Ewing's sarcomas, one aggressive fibromatosis and three soft-tissue sarcomas. The mean follow-up was 52 months (6 to 120). Analysis of residual symptoms and of range and strength of movement by physicians used the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society rating scale (MSTS). Physical disability was measured by the patients using the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). All 14 patients are still alive, two with systemic disease. Nine had more than 80% of their scapula resected but the glenohumeral joint was preserved in all cases. Eight had full movement and another two achieved 90 degrees of flexion. The mean functional results were good to excellent in all except three patients (mean MSTS = 71.6 and TESS = 79.9). Two of these three patients had considerable pain as a result of brachial neuropathy. Scapulectomy gives an excellent functional result if the glenohumeral joint is preserved. The rotator cuff could be removed without a severe functional deficit provided that the deltoid was reattached to the scapular remnant and the trapezius.

Allograft reconstruction of the acetabulum after resection of stage-IIB sarcoma. Intermediate-term results

Seventeen consecutive patients were managed with an allograft reconstruction of the pelvis (including the acetabulum) following resection of a stage-IIB bone sarcoma during a twelve-year period. The initial diagnosis was chondrosarcoma in nine patients, osteosarcoma in six, Ewing sarcoma in one, and leiomyosarcoma in one. All patients who had osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma received chemotherapy preoperatively and postoperatively. Fifteen patients were managed with an allograft-total hip prosthesis composite. Two patients initially were managed with an osteoarticular allograft without a prosthesis, but one had a subsequent revision to an allograft-implant composite. Four patients died with an intact allograft reconstruction. Eight patients survived with an intact allograft reconstruction, and they were followed for at least four years (mean, seven years; maximum, fourteen years). All but one was able to walk in the community with one or two canes at the time of the latest follow-up. There was a high rate of local recurrence, which occurred in three of the seventeen patients, and of infection, which developed in two patients. The five patients had a subsequent hindquarter amputation or removal of the allograft. The mean functional score (and standard deviation), according to the rating system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, was 65 +/- 21.16 per cent (median, 70 per cent; range, 13 to 87 per cent) for the thirteen patients who were thus evaluated. Preservation of the limb and reconstruction with an allograft may be considered as an alternative to hindquarter amputation in carefully selected patients who have a bone sarcoma involving the acetabulum. However, patients who have a high-grade bone sarcoma must be warned that there is a substantial risk of local recurrence or infection. In the present series, more than half of the patients either died or had failure of the reconstruction.

The impact of residual disease on local recurrence in patients treated by initial unplanned resection for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

"Unplanned excision" in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is defined as the gross removal of tumor without preoperative staging or consideration of the need for removal of normal tissue around the tumor. This study evaluated whether unplanned excision in patients with extremity STS would have an impact on local relapse (LR), even if reexcision of the tumor bed was undertaken.

METHOD

Two hundred thirty-nine (239) patients with primary, extremity STS treated with limb salvage surgery were included in this study. Of the 239, 78% were treated with surgery and irradiation. Forty-seven tumors were low-grade and 192 high grade. Mean tumor diameter was 7.5 cm. Twenty had local recurrences and 64 relapsed systemically.

RESULTS

Only margin and prior surgery were significant in univariate analysis (P < 0.05, log-rank test). The Cox multivariate analysis revealed that both margin of resection (P < 0.001) and the status of the local tumor site (P < 0.05) at definitive surgery were significant predictors of local relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the presence of microscopic disease in the reexcised specimen following unplanned resection is a risk factor for local disease recurrence.

Limb salvage surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas of the forearm and hand

Twenty-five consecutive patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the forearm and hand were assessed for limb-salvage surgery and were entered into a prospective study evaluating oncologic details and functional outcome. Seventeen patients had received incomplete primary excision elsewhere and presented with local recurrence or residual disease. Three had pulmonary metastases at the time of presentation. Twenty-three patients were candidates for limb-salvage surgery and 20 received adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean follow-up period was 37 months. There was local recurrence in three patients who had initially received marginal excision of the primary sarcoma, and three patients died of systemic disease. Limb function was assessed prospectively using both patient-based and clinician-based functional scoring systems and revealed good to excellent results in all but three patients. Eighty-eight percent of those who survived and did not require amputation were able to return to occupational and activities of daily living with no or minimal functional limitation. This study demonstrates that limb-salvage surgery, with adjuvant radiotherapy when necessary, is an effective alternative to amputation in the majority of patients with sarcoma of the forearm and hand. Radiation toxicity is rarely a problem.

Primary patellar tumors

Eight cases of primary tumors of the patella were identified in a consecutive series of 587 patients treated surgically for benign or malignant bone tumors. Six cases were benign (5 giant cell tumors and 1 chondroblastoma), and there were 2 malignant tumors (osteosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma). Both patients with malignant lesions had Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. Benign pulmonary metastases developed in 2 of the patients with giant cell tumor and 1 patient now is deceased 72 months after surgery. Two patients were treated before referral to a tertiary care center; 1 with patellectomy before histologic diagnosis and 1 with curettage. Both resulted in extension of disease into the knee joint. Tumors of the patella require careful assessment before surgical management. Conservation of the bone can be achieved in benign lesions that have adequate residual bone remaining at the articular surface. Conservation of the extremity is possible in malignant tumors, but reconstruction of the extensor mechanism is difficult.

Sarcoma of bone-cement membrane: a case report and review of the literature

The development of a cancerous tumour at the site of total joint replacement is a rare but virtually always fatal event. The previously unreported scenario of a patient who was found to have a malignant fibrous histocytoma at the bone-cement membrane after revision for a loose total hip prosthesis is reported. Recent biologic information evaluating the response of mesenchymal cells to metallic debris suggests that the environment surrounding a loosened prosthesis may provide conditions appropriate for the development of a sarcoma.

Development of a measure of physical function for patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma

Patients undergoing limb salvage surgery for bone and soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities experience significant physical disability as a result of life-preserving treatment. The existing health status measures do not adequately evaluate physical function from the patient's perspective. This paper presents the developmental studies (item selection, reduction, reliability, validity and responsiveness) of a new measure, The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). Patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma (76 upper and 83 lower extremity) were randomly selected and mailed the TESS. Patients rated the severity and importance of physical disabilities; the response options included a 'not applicable' category and open-ended questions that allowed patients to suggest additional items for inclusion in the questionnaire. Therefore, patient perceptions were used to determine item content. Difficulty and importance frequencies were calculated and items rated 'totally unimportant' or 'not applicable' by 30% of the sample were eliminated. Extra items identified 30% of the time were added to the questionnaire. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability and validity were evaluated on subsequent patient samples. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for test-retest reliability and correlations with The Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Rating Scale (MSTS) were calculated for construct validity. Standardized effect sizes were calculated as a measure of responsiveness. Fifty upper extremity and sixty-six lower extremity patients responded to the mailed questionnaire. No items were eliminated based on importance or not applicable ratings. Sporting activities were identified as additional items in both the upper and lower extremity questionnaire. High internal consistency was demonstrated: 0.94 for the lower and 0.92 for the upper extremity questionnaires respectively. Test-retest reliability was evaluated at multiple time-points and the intraclass correlation coefficient was greater than 0.87 in all instances. Construct validity was shown by a moderate correlation with the MSTS. The effect sizes were large demonstrating responsiveness. The use of patients' perceptions in determining the content of the TESS has resulted in a reliable and valid measure that is able to detect change over time.

Quantitative analysis of multidrug resistance gene expression in human osteosarcomas

We evaluated the MDR1 expression levels in 77 osteosarcomas and investigated whether MDR1 mRNA expression in osteosarcomas varies with location within the tumour, following chemotherapy, or after metastasis. We modified the semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to determine accurately the levels of MDR1 mRNA expression in clinical specimens. We show that specimens collected from multiple locations in six tumours revealed very little variation in MDR1 expression suggesting that the levels of MDR1 in these tumours do not vary greatly with location within the tumour mass. In a comparison of pre and post-chemotherapy specimens it was found that MDR1 levels did not change appreciably following chemotherapy in 16 of 20 cases. In addition, in eight of ten specimens obtained before and after metastasis, the amount of MDR1 mRNA was found to remain relatively constant despite metastatic spread. Thus, many osteosarcomas exhibited intrinsic expression of MDR1 mRNA before multidrug regimens which invariably included doxorubicin and, in most cases, MDR1 expression was not induced following chemotherapeutic treatment. Our results suggest that some osteosarcoma patients may have primary tumours which are resistant to doxorubicin. These individuals may benefit from different chemotherapeutic regimens, e.g. the addition of MDR reversal agents.

SAS is amplified predominantly in surface osteosarcoma

The development of several types of human tumors is related to amplification of genes that are involved in cell growth. The protein products of these genes give the cells a selective growth advantage. The q13-15 region of chromosome 12 is frequently altered in human sarcomas, and the SAS gene has been identified in an amplification unit mapping to this region. Gene amplification of SAS was analyzed to determine the frequency of genetic alteration of this gene in osteosarcoma. Using Southern blot analysis as well as quantitative polymerase chain reaction, SAS was found to be amplified in 10 (36%) of 28 osteosarcomas. Gene amplification was evaluated in subtypes of osteosarcoma. All seven surface osteosarcomas displayed amplified SAS. In contrast, SAS was amplified in only two (13%) of 15 intramedullary osteosarcomas. The finding that all surface osteosarcomas demonstrated SAS gene amplification suggests that this gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma subtypes and that surface osteosarcoma may be genetically different from high-grade intramedullary osteosarcoma.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone: report of seven cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To report seven cases of intraosseous leiomyosarcoma and compare them with the cases in the literature.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features. Tumors were examined immunohistochemically for proliferative activity and p53 protein accumulation.

SETTING

Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

RESULTS

The histologic grade of the tumors ranged from I to III. All tumors showed vimentin and muscle-specific actin immunoreactivity and smooth muscle differentiation ultrastructurally. Proliferative activity was demonstrated immunohistochemically in five of the seven cases. Only one tumor showed p53 protein accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone is an aggressive tumor with light microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features similar to leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue. The proliferative activity of these tumors does not appear to correlate with the histologic grade. p53 protein accumulation as detected by immunostaining is not common in these tumors.

Pasteurella multocida osteomyelitis: An unusual case presentation

A healthy male farm employee developed an unusual infection caused by Pasteurella multocida. Atypical features included the chronic nature of the infection, the development of osteomyelitis of the tibia without direct animal inoculation, and lack of fever and leukocytosis. Radiographic appearance of P multocida osteomyelitis may be the result of osteoclast activation and can be confused with musculoskeletal tumour. P multocida infection requires a high degree of suspicion, and should be considered in cases of farm- or animal-related injuries even if there is no history of direct animal contact.

Giant cell tumor of the proximal fibula: surgical management

Five patients with giant cell tumor of the proximal fibula were treated with intralesional excision of the lesion, preservation of the peroneal nerve, and reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. At minimum 24-month follow-up there have been no local recurrences. Four patients exhibit normal function of the peroneal nerve and one has grade 4 strength of the muscles innervated by this nerve. No patient demonstrated varus instability. Marginal excision with nerve preservation and reconstruction of the ligament is a worthwhile procedure for treatment of this relatively uncommon lesion.

Molecular and immunohistochemical identification of p53 alterations in bone and soft tissue sarcomas

p53 has been shown to suppress tumor growth by regulating the cell cycle and by triggering apoptosis. Acquired somatic mutations of the p53 gene have been observed in a variety of human malignancies, and these result in a loss of its tumor suppressor function. To examine the occurrence of p53 abnormalities in bone and soft tissue sarcomas, 113 tumors were subjected to molecular analysis and mutations were confirmed in 16 tumors. The frequency of p53 alterations varied among the different subtypes of bone and soft tissue sarcomas, being observed predominantly in osteosarcomas (8/34 cases), rhabdomyosarcomas (2/3 cases), Ewing's sarcomas (1/5 cases), and liposarcomas (3/21 cases). In contrast, p53 gene mutations were detected at a lower frequency in malignant fibrous histiocytomas (2/34 cases) and not at all in nine chondrosarcomas and five leiomyosarcomas. Immunohistochemical staining of p53 protein was performed on 69 cases and compared to the DNA results. For 64 cases the results were concordant: 56 sarcomas were considered to have wild-type p53 by both techniques. As well, increased p53 protein expression was observed in eight of the nine tumors with p53 gene mutations. However, positive p53 staining was also seen in four sarcomas which had no detectable p53 mutations in exons 5 through 9. Because some sarcomas exhibit amplification and overexpression of MDM-2, which may interact with p53 and cause stabilization of wild-type p53 protein, we examined these tumors for MDM-2 amplification. None of the tumors with MDM-2 amplification exhibited p53 immunopositivity. Very weak p53 reactivity was detected in four malignant fibrous histiocytomas that had received either chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Of 16 metastatic lesions examined, only one contained a p53 mutation. In addition, for five cases in which both the original lesion and its metastases were analyzed, p53 alterations were not observed in the metastases if the tumor was wild-type at presentation. These data suggest that p53 alterations occur at different frequencies in various subtypes of sarcoma and, although detected in metastatic lesions, are not associated more frequently with progression.

The effect of intramedullary cement on intercalary allograft reconstruction of bone defects after tumour resection: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

A pilot study to evaluate the surgical and functional results of resection and reconstruction of diaphyseal bone tumours with cemented and uncemented intercalary allografts.

DESIGN

A retrospective case series.

SETTING

A quaternary care unit within a teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-two patients with diaphyseal bone tumours treated between 1988 and 1992, with mean follow-up of 38 months (range from 20 to 70 months).

INTERVENTIONS

Diagnostic biopsy in all patients. Preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy in patients with high-grade sarcoma. En-bloc excision of all tumours. Reconstruction of the defect with cemented (15 patients) or uncemented (7 patients) intercalary allografts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Nonunion at one or both osteosynthesis sites, death from systemic disease, amputation.

RESULTS

Six of the 22 patients died of systemic disease with the graft intact, and 3 subsequently had amputation for either local recurrence (2 patients) or failure of free tissue transfer (1 patient), leaving 13 patients alive with the allograft in situ at an average of 36 months (range from 24 to 64 months). There were no revision procedures to remove or replace the original allograft. Five patients had nonunion at one or more osteosynthesis sites on plain radiographs 9 months after resection. Four patients with nonunion were in the cemented group of 13 patients available for assessment at 9 months, and 1 was in the uncemented group of 5 patients available for assessment at 9 months. There were two graft fractures, both in the uncemented group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this pilot study offer guarded support for the use of pressurized cement in allografts prior to reconstruction of intercalary defects.

Transclavicular approach to the neck, thoracic inlet, and axilla

OBJECTIVE

To describe claviculotomy and claviculectomy for access to lesions of the lower part of the neck, with simultaneous reconstruction.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective review of 15 patients who underwent claviculotomy for access to the lower part of the neck.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent plate reconstruction, and one patient required subsequent removal. Three patients underwent total claviculectomy, and four patients underwent partial claviculectomy. Ten patients are alive and free of disease, three have died of disease, and two are alive with disease. All but two patients are satisfied with shoulder function, and one patient is dissatisfied with the cosmetic result.

CONCLUSIONS

The claviculotomy and claviculectomy technique for tumors that transgress the neck, thoracic inlet, and axilla offers maximal exposure for excision, vascular control, and preservation of vital structures. Modern plating techniques have allowed clavicular reconstruction with improved cosmesis and preservation of shoulder stability.

Complex acetabular reconstruction for metastatic tumor

Twenty-six hips were reconstructed in 25 patients with periacetabular metastatic lesions. Twelve hip reconstructions were performed using a modified Harrington technique with polymethyl methacrylate, cancellous screws, and reinforcement rings (type I). Fourteen hip reconstructions were performed using bulk bone-graft and reinforcement rings (type II). According to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional rating score, there was no appreciable difference between the two types of reconstructions. Either technique can give satisfactory results depending on the anatomic location and extent of bone loss. Careful patient selection is the prime determinant of a successful outcome.

Intraosseous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Report of a case and review of the literature

We report a case of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor arising in the distal femur of a 28-year-old man who had no stigmata of von Recklinghausen's disease. Roentgenograms and computed tomographic scans of the distal femur showed a single lytic intraosseous lesion with minimal soft tissue extension. Light microscopy demonstrated a tumor composed of spindle cells with myxoid areas. There was some nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic activity. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for S100 protein and neuron-specific enolase. Ultrastructurally, there were cells with long processes, which were focally invested by basal lamina. Some cells had numerous micropinocytotic vesicles. The tumor recurred in the femur 15 months following the initial curettage. Computed tomographic scan of the lungs at that time showed a nodule, which has since enlarged. Primary osseous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are uncommon. A literature review revealed only 18 previous cases, the majority of which occurred in the mandible or maxilla. This is a rare case of intraosseous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of a long bone, with both immunohistochemical and ultrastructural confirmation of nerve sheath differentiation.

Cephalad sacral resection with a combined extended ilioinguinal and posterior approach

A combined anterior and posterior approach was used for the resection of a large tumor (a chordoma, a giant-cell tumor, an osteosarcoma, or a chondrosarcoma) of the cephalad part of the sacrum in twelve patients. The anterior aspect of the sacrum was exposed through an extended ilioinguinal approach, and the posterior aspect, through a midline approach. This widely extensile procedure permitted simultaneous visualization of the anterior, posterior, and circumferential aspects of the sacrum at the time of the osteotomy and facilitated the resection of these difficult lesions. At the time of follow-up (average duration for the eleven surviving patients, thirty-seven months; median, thirty months; range, twenty to sixty-nine months), ten patients were able to walk independently (four with the use of a cane) and one was confined to a wheelchair. One patient had died immediately postoperatively. The results of the present study indicate that a combined extended ilioinguinal and posterior approach can be used effectively for the wide resection of a tumor arising in the cephalad part of the sacrum.

Ruptured deep femoral artery aneurysm simulating a soft-tissue sarcoma: a case report

False aneurysms of the deep femoral artery are uncommon. The presentation in the 80-year-old woman described in this case report was unique in that the pseudoaneurysm was subacute; after an initial hemorrhage, compression of the pseudoaneurysm by the deep femoral artery resulted in a large hematoma suggestive of a soft-tissue sarcoma. The recommended management was angiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate between a false aneurysm and a tumour followed by treatment for the vascular lesion. Such an approach will prevent tumour spread and uncontrollable hemorrhage.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors, IGF-1, and IGF-2 are expressed in primary human sarcomas

A variety of bone and soft-tissue sarcoma cell lines have been shown to express receptors for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and to respond mitogenically to IGF-1 in vitro. We have recently demonstrated evidence of IGF dependency in murine MGH-OGS and RIF-1 sarcomas, which express relatively high and intermediate levels of IGF-1 receptors. Overexpression of IGF-1 receptors and/or IGF ligands might, therefore, be a mechanism by which human bone and soft-tissue sarcomas obtain a proliferative advantage over normal adjacent tissues. Therefore, we evaluated 29 human sarcoma specimens for expression of IGF-1 receptor, IGF-1, and IGF-2 by competitive binding and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques. Twelve of 29 sarcomas examined by RT-PCR and 13 of 25 examined by affinity-binding studies expressed IGF-1 receptor levels equal to or greater than levels determined in the IGF-responsive MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line. DNA amplification of the IGF-1 receptor gene was not identified in this group of sarcomas that expressed high levels of IGF-1 receptor. Evaluation of IGF ligand expression by RT-PCR revealed that 22 of 28 sarcomas expressed IGF-1 levels comparable to or above those of the RPMI 7666 control line, and 17 of 27 sarcomas expressed significant levels of IGF-2 compared with the NCI H69 control cell line. These results suggest that autocrine/paracrine regulatory mechanisms might be responsible for the growth of some sarcomas.