Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: a Multi-Institutional Study of 42 Cases in Japan

CT and MR imaging findings of head and neck chondrosarcoma

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the imaging features of head and neck chondrosarcoma (HNCS) according to its origin and pathologic subtype.

METHODS

Patients who were pathologically diagnosed with HNCS between January 2000 and April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Lesions were classified based on their origin and pathologic subtype. The size and margin were evaluated on the image. Internal calcification and the effects on adjacent bone were assessed using computed tomography (CT) images, while signal intensity and contrast enhancement patterns were analyzed using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

RESULTS

Thirteen HNCSs were included in this study: 8 bone tumors (61.5%) and 5 soft tissue tumors (38.5%). The bone tumors were pathologically diagnosed as conventional (n = 5) and mesenchymal type (n = 3). Soft tissue tumors were defined as myxoid type. The main symptoms were swelling (90.9%) and pain (72.7%). The lesions measured 4.5 cm on average. The margins showed benign and well-defined except for the mesenchymal type. On CT, most bone tumors (75%) showed internal calcification with remodeling or destruction of the adjacent bone. No soft tissue tumors, except one case, showed internal calcification or destruction of the adjacent bone. MR imaging features were non-specific (T2 high signal intensity and contrast enhancement).

CONCLUSIONS

HCNS showed various imaging findings according to their origin and pathologic subtype. HNCS should be differentiated if a bone tumor shows internal calcification and affects the adjacent bone. When diagnosing slow-growing soft tissue tumors, even if low possibility, HNCS should be considered.

Juxta-articular extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma mistaken for a benign cyst presenting with multiple lung metastases

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a malignant cartilage neoplasm usually encountered in the proximal extremities. We report the case of a 58-year-old male who presented initially with a 3-month history of cough. Initial staging demonstrated a right upper lobe mass with bilateral pulmonary nodules and moderate tracer uptake in the right lung mass and right groin on positron emission tomography imaging. Endobronchial ultrasound biopsy confirmed a histological diagnosis of EMC for which the patient underwent right upper lobe wedge resection. Pelvic MRI revealed a peripherally enhancing juxta-articular lesion within the region of the right obturator externus bursa, which was thought initially to represent either a ganglion or paralabral cyst. However, ultrasound-guided biopsy yielded identical histology to the resected lung mass leading to the diagnosis of primary EMC in the right groin with pulmonary metastases. The patient underwent surgical excision of the right groin mass with no local recurrence on the surveillance computed tomography at 5, 12, and 18 months but eventual disease recurrence in the right groin and further progression of the pulmonary metastases at 29 months. We emphasize that the contrast enhancement pattern of EMC can mimic a benign cystic lesion, in particular, when in a juxta-articular location, which has the potential to mislead radiologists and delay diagnosis and definitive treatment.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of Floor of Mouth-A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction

Chondrosarcomas are rare malignancies of the cartilage and myxoid chondrosarcoma is its variant which commonly occurs in soft tissue of extremities. Extraskeletal chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of bone or soft tissue origin and is characterized by the presence of spindle cells admixed with well differentiated cartilage or chondroid stroma. They are mostly radioresistant tumours and surgical resections with adequate margins is considered as the ideal treatment modality with adjuvant radiotherapy in high grade tumours and add on chemotherapy, in case of presence of poor prognostic factors.

Case Report

A 51-year-old diabetic, hypertensive female patient presented to our outpatient department with difficulty in chewing food for a duration of 6 months. On clinical examination, she had an ulceroproliferative growth involving right lower alveolus and floor of mouth. MRI face and neck with contrast showed a 4.1 × 2.9 × 4.5 cm lesion involving right lower alveolus extending to floor of mouth. Biopsy showed features of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. She was planned for upfront surgery (Right composite resection with modified radical neck dissection with free fibula flap). Patient was stable post-surgery and was discharged in stable condition. Final histopathology report was high grade myxoid chondrosarcoma. The case was presented in tumour board and the patient was planned for adjuvant radiotherapy. She has been on regular follow up for the past 2 years and shows no signs of recurrence.

Conclusion

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of oral cavity is a rare entity and very few cases are reported. It is a malignant neoplasm which is diagnosed with the help of immunohistochemistry. Surgery is the ideal modality of treatment accompanied by adjuvant radiotherapy in cases of high-grade tumours.

Imaging features of myxoid soft-tissue tumours

Myxoid soft-tissue tumours are mesenchymal neoplasms, which are characterised by the production of abundant extracellular myxoid matrix. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of these tumours as well as treatment planning. The imaging features as well as the clinical course for these lesions are highly variable, depending on both the anatomical location of the tumour and the histopathological subtype. This article, illustrated by histopathologically proven cases from our tertiary referral soft-tissue sarcoma centre, reviews the spectrum of imaging findings and characteristic signs seen with different types of benign and malignant myxoid soft-tissue neoplasms.

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, zaltoprofen, inhibits the growth of extraskeletal chondrosarcoma cells by inducing PPARγ, p21, p27, and p53

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor and master transcription factor of adipogenesis-related genes, and has been reported as an antitumor target for chondrosarcomas. Herein, we show that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, zaltoprofen, induces the expression of PPARγ at the mRNA and protein levels, following the induction of PPARγ-activating factors, such as Krox20, C/EBPβ, and C/EBPα, in human extraskeletal chondrosarcoma H-EMC-SS cells. Upregulation of the cell cycle checkpoint proteins, p21, p27, and p53, was observed upon treatment of H-EMC-SS cells with zaltoprofen, which probably resulted in the inhibition of proliferation of these cells observed in vitro. Zaltoprofen treatment inhibited tumor growth, induced tumor cell apoptosis, and was well tolerated in a mouse model of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. Our results provide mechanistic insights into the therapeutic effect of zaltoprofen that should promote further studies on the rational use of this drug for the effective treatment of sarcomas.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: Retrospective Case Series Examining Prognostic Factors, Treatment Approaches, and Oncologic Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is an ultrarare soft tissue sarcoma, and a limited number of studies are published regarding its clinical course and efficacy of treatment. The goal of this retrospective case series is to explore patient characteristics, treatment approaches, and oncologic outcomes to help inform future EMC management.

METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of EMC seen at the University of Michigan Sarcoma Center between 1998 and 2021 were identified. A chart review was performed to analyze demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients with EMC were identified. The median follow-up was 49.8 months. The median age at diagnosis was 57 (range: 25 to 79), and 35 patients (80%) were male. Thirty-four patients (77%) had locoregional disease at diagnosis, and 26 patients (59%) ultimately developed metastatic disease. After locoregional curative-intent surgery, 15 patients had documented recurrence, of which 11 were metastatic (73%). Five-year overall survival was 79% for all patients, 86% for locoregional disease, and 58% for metastatic disease; for locoregional disease, 5-year disease-free and metastasis-free survival post-surgery were 43% and 53%, respectively; 1-year progression-free survival for metastatic disease from the start of first-line systemic therapy was 43%. Older age was the only factor statistically associated with improved prognosis, although perioperative radiotherapy, lower histologic grade, and negative margins also had directional associations with outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The data in this patient series are generally consistent with published literature on EMC and demonstrate a high recurrence rate, high propensity for metastasis, and high rate of progression of metastatic disease on systemic therapy.

Classification of Chondrosarcoma: From Characteristic to Challenging Imaging Findings

Chondrosarcomas can be classified into various forms according to the presence or absence of a precursor lesion, location, and histological subtype. The new 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of Soft Tissue and Bone classifies chondrogenic bone tumors as benign, intermediate (locally aggressive), or malignant, and separates atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACTs) and chondrosarcoma grade 1 (CS1) as intermediate and malignant tumors. respectively. Furthermore, the classification categorizes chondrosarcomas (including ACT) into eight subtypes: central conventional (grade 1 vs. 2–3), secondary peripheral (grade 1 vs. 2–3), periosteal, dedifferentiated, mesenchymal, and clear cell chondrosarcoma. Most chondrosarcomas are the low-grade, primary central conventional type. The rarer subtypes include clear cell, mesenchymal, and dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas. Comprehensive analysis of the characteristic imaging findings can help differentiate various forms of chondrosarcomas. However, distinguishing low-grade chondrosarcomas from enchondromas or high-grade chondrosarcomas is radiologically and histopathologically challenging, even for experienced radiologists and pathologists.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: p53 and Ki-67 offer prognostic value for clinical outcome - an immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of 31 cases

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare malignant soft tissue tumor of unpredictable clinical behavior. The morphological spectrum of EMC based on histology alone can be difficult. There is no precise immunohistochemical (IHC) profile that together with the clinical parameters is able to predict the clinical outcome. We studied 31 cases confirmed as EMC. Clinical and follow-up data were recorded. Histopathological, molecular, and IHC studies were performed. Association among histopathological parameters was assessed using a chi-square test to determine homogeneity or linear trend for ordinal variables. The Kaplan-Meier proportional risk test (log rank) was used to study the impact of the histological, IHC, and molecular factors on progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Most EMCs showed a typical architectural pattern. Only a few cases presented an atypical histology (higher cellularity and solid pattern). IHC positivity (focal or diffuse) was present for CDK4 (100%), STAT-6 (90%), CD117 (84%), HNK-1 (81%), SATB2 (68%), and S-100 (58%). Synaptophysin and INSM1 were expressed in 22.6% and 38.7% of cases respectively. The EWSR1::NR4A3 rearrangement was found in 19 cases and 7 tumors presented the TAF15::NR4A3 fusion. Positive surgical margins together with atypical histology and expression of p53 and Ki67 correlated with worse clinical prognosis. EMCs express several IHC markers which are also seen in other soft tissue sarcomas. The molecular detection of NR4A3 rearrangement supports the differential diagnosis. Positive surgical margins together with atypical histology and positive expression of p53 and Ki-67 seem to predict a poor clinical outcome with worse prognosis, increased rate of recurrence, metastasis, and poor overall survival.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma in the pelvis successfully treated with proton beam radiotherapy

The standard treatment for extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is wide excision. However, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is often located in the deep layers of the extremities and pelvis, so functional impairment due to wide resection is unavoidable in many cases. In addition, the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy has not been defined, so no treatment method is established for unresectable cases. Here we report a case involving a man in his late 60s with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of the pelvis who responded to proton beam radiotherapy with intra-arterial chemotherapy and did not require surgery. The patient maintained a complete response for more than 7 years. The findings from this case suggest that definitive irradiation can be an alternative to wide resection for cases of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma in which severe disability cannot be avoided after resection or when the tumour is inoperable due to its size and location.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: Clinicopathological features and outcomes from the United States sarcoma collaborative database

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVES

This investigation described clinicopathological features and outcomes of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) patients.

METHODS

EMC patients were identified from the United States Sarcoma Collaborative database between 2000 and 2016. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated, and prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty individuals with a mean age of 55 years were included, and 65.0% (n = 39) were male. 73.3% (n = 44) had a primary tumor. A total of 41.6% (n = 25) developed tumor relapse following resection. The locoregional recurrence rate was 30.0% (n = 18/60), and mean follow-up was 42.7 months. The 5-year OS was 71.0%, while the 5-year RFS was 41.4%. On multivariate analysis for all EMC, chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 6.054; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-27.7; p = 0.020) and radiation (HR, 5.07, 95% CI, 1.3-20.1; p = 0.021) were independently predictive of a worse RFS. Among patients with primary EMC only, the 5-year OS was 85.3%, with a 30.0% (n = 12) locoregional recurrence rate, though no significant prognostic factors were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival with EMC is probable, however there exists a high incidence of locoregional recurrence. While chemotherapy and radiation were associated with a worse RFS, these findings were likely confounded by recurrent disease as significance was lost in the primary EMC-only subset.

Case Report: Gene Heterogeneity in the Recurrent and Metastatic Lesions of a Myxoid Chondrosarcoma Patient With Aggressive Transformation

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. In view of the indolent course throughout the prolonged natural history of EMC, it was considered as a low-grade soft-tissue sarcoma. However, recent studies have revealed a high recurrence and metastatic potential in EMC, and the invasiveness of EMC may progress during the protracted clinical course. The mechanism for this aggressive transformation remains unknown. Here, we present a rare case of EMC with aggressive behavior. This case was confirmed via pathology and NR4A3 fluorescent in situ hybridization. To verify the genetic characteristics of this rare case, a total gene sequencing analyses was performed in the recurrent and metastatic lesions. Intriguingly, different gene mutations were determined in the recurrent and metastatic lesions, which implied the genetic heterogeneity among the different lesions might be related to the aggressiveness of EMC. Furthermore, we discuss a few potential agents against the mutated genes in this case, which may provide novel insights regarding the targeted therapy of EMC.

Primary intracranial extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Primary intracranial extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is an extremely rare low- to intermediate-grade malignant soft tissue sarcoma, and only 15 cases have been reported in the literature. Due to its rarity, clinical data and research on this tumor type are extremely limited, the pathogenesis and histological origin are still unclear, and the diagnostic and standard clinical treatment strategies for intracranial EMC remain controversial and undefined.

CASE SUMMARY

We reported a case of a 52-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital with headache and dizziness for 1 mo, and his health status deteriorated during the last week. CT of the head showed a well-defined low-density lesion situated in the left cavernous sinus. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 3.4 cm × 3.0 cm sized, well-defined, round-shaped and heterogeneously enhanced lesion located in the left cavernous sinus. The entire lesion was removed via supratentorial craniotomy and microsurgery. Postoperative pathological diagnosis indicated primary intracranial EMC. Subsequently, the patient underwent 45 Gy/15 F stereotactic radiotherapy after discharge. At present, it is 12 mo after surgery, with regular postoperative follow-up and regular MRI examinations, that there are no clinical symptoms and radiographic evidence indicating the recurrence of the tumor, and the patient has returned to normal life.

CONCLUSION

Currently, the most beneficial treatment for primary intracranial EMC is gross total resection combined with postoperative radiotherapy. Long-term follow-up is also necessary for patients.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: A case series and review of the literature

Background

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare malignant soft tissue sarcoma (STS) that accounts for less than 3% of all soft tissue tumors. The conventional treatment for primary EMC is wide local excision with or without radiation therapy.

Materials and Methods

This study was a retrospective review of all EMC cases treated within a single institution between 1992 and 2019. EMC was diagnosed using a combination of histologic morphology and immunostaining, with confirmatory fluorescent in situ hybridization. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were defined using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Fifteen patients were evaluated, including 11 males and four females. The average age at presentation was 51.7 ± 20.4 years and the mean follow-up time was 61.5 months (range, 5–286 months). The average resected tumor size at largest dimension was 7.14 cm (range, 2.4–18.7). Twelve of fifteen (80%) patients underwent wide local excision, and nine of the twelve (75%) underwent local radiation therapy. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year OS was 80% (95% CI, 59.8–100), 72% (95% CI, 48.5–95.5), and 72% (95% CI, 48.5–95.5), respectively. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year DSS was 92.3% (95% CI, 77.8–100), 83.1% (95% CI, 61.5–100), and 83.1% (95% CI, 61.5–100), respectively. At last follow-up, 11 patients were alive and ten (90.9%) were disease free.

Conclusions

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is a very rare STS most often seen in males and in the extremities. Our cohort was too small to provide meaningful statistical analysis; however, we observed lower rates of local recurrence in patients treated with radiation.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: Clinical features and overall survival

INTRODUCTION

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma characterized by a unique chromosomal translocation involving the NR4A3 gene on chromosome 9. It is most frequently diagnosed in the proximal extremities of older adult males and is notable for its insidious growth with predilection for local recurrence and metastasis. Currently, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is managed with wide resection, with recent investigations supporting the utility of adjuvant radiation and novel chemotherapeutic strategies.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective study was performed with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database, which was searched for cases of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma diagnosed between years 2004 and 2015. Demographic variables were assessed, as well as Collaborative Staging variables including tumor size, metastatic disease, grade, and lymph node involvement. Cases were stratified according to the anatomic site of the primary tumor and were described by therapeutic intervention. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model evaluated predictive factors for poor survival, and Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed effects of various staging, demographic, and therapeutic variables on overall survival.

RESULTS

There were 270 cases of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma reviewed in this study, which were diagnosed most frequently in the lower limb or hip of older adult males. The 5-year overall survival was 76.5% and was worse on univariate assessment for patients with age > 60, high histologic grade, pelvic location, tumor size > 8.0 cm, metastatic or nodal spread, and in patients without surgical intervention. The Cox regression predicted significantly worse survival for older age, larger tumor size, non-surgical status, and high tumor grade. Metastasis did not significantly predict worse survival on multivariate assessment, and neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy provided a discernable improvement in survival in this cohort.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

As a rare soft tissue sarcoma, many of the presenting features and survival outcomes of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma remain poorly defined due to the limited prevalence of this disease. The findings of this study suggest the overall survival may be worse than previously reported, and poor prognostic factors are those associated with worse survival in other soft tissue sarcomas, including high histologic grade, older age, larger tumor size, and lack of wide resection. Radiation and chemotherapy did not demonstrably improve survival for patients with localized or metastatic disease.

Intra-articular Extraskeletal EWSR1-Negative NR4A3-Positive Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: A Case Report

CASE

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas (EMCs) are rare soft-tissue malignancies. Intra-articular occurrence is even more rare. To our knowledge, this case is one of only 2 reported intra-articular EMC cases of the knee free of local recurrence and/or amputation at follow-up. This case is also distinctive for being fluorescence in-situ hybridization-negative for the typical EMC-balanced translocation t(9;22) which fuses EWSR1 with NR4A3, harboring instead a variant translocation resulting in fusion of NR4A3 with a less common gene fusion partner.

CONCLUSION

This is a unique case of intra-articular EMC of the knee with a rare molecular fingerprint and an unusually positive outcome.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: State of the Art and Current Research on Biology and Clinical Management

Simple Summary

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the biological basis of pathogenesis and current research in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC), together with the state of the art of treatment for localized and advanced disease. EMC is an ultra-rare sarcoma sub-type, more often arising from the soft tissues, marked by specific molecular features consisting in rearrangement of the NR4A3 gene, identified in recent years and very useful to distinguish EMC from other mimics. Available pharmacological treatments in particular are discussed, with a focus on the most recent results and future perspectives.

Abstract

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is an ultra-rare mesenchymal neoplasm with uncertain differentiation, which arises mostly in the deep soft tissue of proximal extremities and limb girdles. EMC is marked by a translocation involving the NR4A3 gene, which can be fused in-frame with different partners, most often EWSR1 or TAF1. Although EMC biology is still poorly defined, recent studies have started shedding light on the specific contribution of NR4A3 chimeric proteins to EMC pathogenesis and clinical outcome. Standard treatment for localized disease is surgery, plus or minus radiation therapy with an expected prolonged survival even though the risk of relapse is about 50%. In advanced cases, besides the standard chemotherapy currently used for soft tissue sarcoma, antiangiogenic agents have recently shown promising activity. The aim of this review is to provide the state of the art of treatment for localized and advanced disease, with a focus on pharmacological treatments available for EMC. The biological basis of current research and future perspectives will be also discussed.

Relevance of the combination of external beam radiotherapy with the hypoxia-activated prodrug ICF05016 in an experimental model of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma

Currently, there is no gold standard treatment for Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcomas (EMC) making wide margin surgical resection the most effective alternative treatment. Nevertheless, in previous preclinical studies our lab demonstrated the potential of the hypoxia-activated prodrug (HAP) ICF05016 on EMC murine model inoculated with the H-EMC-SS human cell line. The aim of this study was to assess, in vivo, the relevance of the combination of this HAP with External Beam Radiotherapy (EBR). Firstly EMC-bearing mice were treated with 6 Gy or 12 Gy of EBR (single 6 MV photon). Then for combination of HAP and EBR, animals received 6 doses of ICF05016 (46.8 μmol/kg, intravenously) at 4-day intervals, with 6 Gy EBR performed 24 h after the 3rd dose of HAP. Animals were monitored throughout the study for clinical observations (tumour growth, side effects) and survival studies were performed. From tumour samples, PCNA, Ki-67 and p21 expressions were used as markers of proliferation and cell cycle arrest. Statistical significances were determined using Kruskall-Wallis and log rank tests. The radiosensitivity of the EMC model was demonstrated at 12 Gy with significant inhibition of tumour growth. Then, the HAP strategy potentiated EBR efficacy at a lower dose (6 Gy) by improving survival without generating side effects. Thus, results of this study showed the potential interest of ICF05016 for the combination with EBR in the management of EMC.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: Long-Term Survival in the Setting of Metastatic Disease

Three cases of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) in patients who presented with pulmonary metastases and were managed with long-term close observation without systemic intervention are presented. Follow-up imaging showed slow progression of their disease over several years, and the patients remained asymptomatic from their pulmonary metastases. This clinical experience provides insight into the natural history of the disease and suggests that some patients may experience long-term survival and remain asymptomatic even without systemic intervention, thereby improving their quality of life by avoiding potentially debilitating treatments.

Long-term Outcomes for Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: A SEER Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMCS) is a rare tumor that typically has an indolent course but high rate of recurrence. We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to assess factors associated with metastasis, treatment, and survival.

METHODS

We queried the SEER 1973-2016 database for patients with myxoid chondrosarcoma (ICD-O-3: 9231/3). Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard models assessed effects on overall survival (OS) of demographics and clinical characteristics. Logistic regression assessed associations between tumor location and distant disease. Primary analysis was a complete case analysis; multiple imputation (MI) was used in a sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Locoregional disease (LRD) was found in 373 (85%) of patients. In univariate analysis with LRD, surgery correlated with superior OS [HR = 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.16-0.47]; chemotherapy and radiotherapy associated with inferior OS (HR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.11-3.27 and HR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03-2.06, respectively). No treatment modality associated with OS in the adjusted, complete case model. In the adjusted sensitivity analysis, surgery associated with superior outcomes (HR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.69). There was no OS difference by primary tumor site. 10-year OS with distant disease was 10% (95% CI, 2%-25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery in LRD associated with improved OS in univariate analysis and adjusted models correcting for missing data. There was no OS benefit with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

IMPACT

This represents the largest report of EMCS with long-term follow-up. Despite the reputedly indolent nature of EMCS, outcomes with metastatic disease are poor. We provide OS benchmarks and guidance for stratification in future prospective trials.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: A high incidence of metastatic disease to lymph nodes

BACKGROUND

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (ESMC) is a rare type of soft-tissue sarcoma with limited series reporting outcome of treatment. Currently there is limited data on the incidence and impact on patient outcome in those with metastatic disease to lymph nodes in ESMC.

METHODS

Thirty (21 males, 9 females) patients, mean age 50 ± 16 years, with ESMC were reviewed. The tumors were most commonly located in the lower extremity (n = 23, 77%) and the mean tumor size and volume were 9 ± 5 cm and 490 ± 833 cm³ . Mean follow up was 7 ± 4 years.

RESULTS

Six (20%) patients either presented (n = 3, 10%) or developed (n = 3, 10%) lymph node metastatic disease. When comparing patients without, with lymph node metastasis and metastasis elsewhere, patients with lymph nodes metastasis had worse survival than those without metastasis, however better 10-year disease specific survival than those with metastasis elsewhere (100% vs 62% vs 0%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

There is a high incidence of lymph node metastatic disease in patients with ESMC. Although survival in these patients is worse compared to those without metastasis, their survival is better than those with metastasis elsewhere. Due to the high incidence of lymph node metastatic disease, preoperative staging of the lymph node should be considered.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcomas: Combined Modality Therapy With Both Radiation and Surgery Improves Local Control

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated our experience treating patients with localized extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas (EMCs) to evaluate outcomes and relapse rates in order to better inform treatment decisions for these rare soft tissue sarcomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of 41 consecutive patients with localized EMC treated at our institution from 1990 to 2016. Most patients (n=33, 80%) received combined modality therapy with surgery and radiation therapy, whereas only 8 (20%) underwent surgery alone. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate rates of overall survival, disease-specific survival, local control (LC), and distant metastatic-free survival (DMFS).

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 94 months (range, 8 to 316). The 10-year LC, DMFS, disease-specific survival, and overall survival rates were 90%, 69%, 85%, and 66%, respectively. There were 5 patients (12%) with local relapse at a median time of 75 months (range, 13 to 176). On univariate analysis, the only significant factor associated with poorer LC was the use of surgery alone (10 y LC, 63% vs. 100% for combined modality therapy, P=0.004), which remained the only factor also significant on the multivariable analysis (P=0.02; hazard ratio [HR], 12.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-115.3). In total, 13 patients (32%) developed distant metastatic at a median time of 28 months (range, 3 to 154). Interestingly, local recurrence was the only factor associated with poorer DMFS on multivariate analysis (P=0.04; HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.1-14.7).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with EMC, surgery alone was associated with a higher risk of local recurrence. Therefore, we recommend optimal local therapeutic strategies upfront with both surgery and radiation therapy to reduce the risk of local and ultimately distant recurrence.

Mesenchymal Tumors with EWSR1 Gene Rearrangements

Among the various genes that can be rearranged in soft tissue neoplasms associated with nonrandom chromosomal translocations, EWSR1 is the most frequent one to partner with other genes to generate recurrent fusion genes. This leads to a spectrum of clinically and pathologically diverse mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal neoplasms, variably manifesting as small round cell, spindle cell, clear cell or adipocytic tumors, or tumors with distinctive myxoid stroma. This review summarizes the growing list of mesenchymal neoplasms that are associated with EWSR1 gene rearrangements.

Benefit of Radiotherapy in Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: A Propensity Score Weighted Population-based Analysis of the SEER Database

OBJECTIVES

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare malignancy for which the role of radiotherapy is not well-defined. We examine the effect of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with localized EMC, in a propensity score weighted, population-based analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1973 to 2012) was queried for cases of localized EMC arising from soft connective tissues of the trunk and extremities treated with surgery and/or EBRT. Inverse probability treatment weighting was utilized, with survival analysis by weighted Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank testing. The primary endpoint was CSS.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-two patients were identified, diagnosed from 2004 to 2012. Ninety-four percent and 32% of 156 assessable patients underwent surgery and EBRT, respectively. By inverse probability treatment weighting, balancing covariates of age group, sex, race, grade, T stage, N stage, receipt of surgery, and anatomic site, we observed CSS of 97% versus 85% and 94% versus 85% in patients receiving EBRT versus no EBRT, at 3 and 5 years, respectively, at median follow-up of 33 months, P=0.01. A trend toward an overall survival benefit associated with EBRT was noted, P=0.06. Further adjusting for type of resection performed, CSS benefit persisted, 97% versus 85% at 3 years and 94% versus 85% at 5 years, P=0.02, with trend toward an overall survival benefit, P=0.08.

CONCLUSIONS

The receipt of EBRT is associated with a CSS benefit in localized EMC. Aggressive local therapy, including EBRT, should be considered in these patients.

Systemic manifestations of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma associated with a novel t(2;22)(q34;q12) EWS translocation in a child and a review of the literature

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC), a soft-tissue sarcoma with unique clinicopathologic features and characteristic chromosomal translocations, is extremely rare in the pediatric population. We, herein, present the case of a 7-year-old boy with profound microcytic hypochromic anemia, poor weight gain and a mid-thoracic paraspinal mass that was identified as EMC. Systemic manifestations of localized, nonmetastatic EMC have never been described in the pediatric population, yet our patient's anemia and poor weight gain resolved after successful surgical resection of the tumor, suggesting that localized EMC can present with systemic manifestations. The tumor also contained a novel t(2;22)(q34;q12) translocation involving the EWSR1 gene, which is consistent with additional reports suggesting that a growing list of translocations can drive formation of, and potential new management strategies for, EMC.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma: A Comparative Study of Imaging and Pathology

The purpose of this study was to achieve better understanding of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC). 13 cases of EMC confirmed by surgery biopsy were retrospectively studied. All patients underwent preoperative CT or/and MRI examinations. Among six patients who underwent preoperative CT examinations, six cases of lesions exhibited hypodensity on unenhanced image, three cases of tumor showed funicular spots or patchy calcification, and four cases of tumor did not show any obvious enhancement after enhanced CT scan. Among ten patients who underwent preoperative MRI examination, 8 cases of tumor revealed uniform or slight hyposignal intensity on T1WI, 10 cases of tumor demonstrated lobulated hypersignal intensity with multiple low signal intensity of interval septa on T2WI, and 5 cases of lesions indicated characteristic appearance: septa enhancement with tumor stroma between interval septa being unenhanced. EMC usually occurred at older men and at certain location such as limbs, trunk, and subcutaneous tissues. EMC usually exhibited low density mass (mostly 20-40HU) with calcification and in a portion of the cases showed light or no enhancement on CT. On MRI, EMC showed lobulated hypersignal intensity on T2WI with characteristic arc, septa, or interval septa enhancement.

Primary extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma in cerebellum: A case report with literature review

RATIONALE

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare malignant neoplasm of which intracranial EMC is the rarest.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present an unusual case report of a 41-year-old woman who was sent to the emergency department for a sudden headache and other symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure.

INTERVENTIONS

Emergent CT revealed an occupying lesion in the left cerebellum with surrounding edema. A complete surgical excision of the lesion through a transcortical approach was performed. After the operation, this patient received adjuvant radiotherapy and temozolomide treatment.

DIAGNOSES

Pathology diagnosis was an intracranial EMC.

OUTCOMES

The patient survives with no tumor recurrence as of the last follow-up. Progression-free survival exceeded 20 months.

LESSONS

We have reviewed the literature and here summarize the diagnosis and treatment options for intracranial EMC. Diagnosis and treatment options of this rare disease are discussed.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of the Orbit

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue tumor. Numerous cases of EMC have been reported in different anatomical locations. There is currently only a single case of EMC of the orbit and that was reported in 1985. We report a second case of orbital EMC in a 34-year-old healthy male.

Pulmonary extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: A case report and literature review

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Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare tumor characterized by the multinodular growth of primitive chondroid cells in an abundant myxoid matrix.

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EMC is categorized as a tumor of uncertain differentiation by the 2002 WHO classification.

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EMC has shown to have the recurrent balanced chromosomal translocation t(9;22) (q22;q12.2), which leads to the oncogenic fusion gene EWSR1-NR4A3.

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EMC usually presents in male patients beyond their fifth decade as a slow growing, palpable mass in the extremities.

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Pulmonary extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas are extremely rare with only isolated case reports found in the literature.

Background

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) accounts for the 3% of all soft tissue sarcomas and it's categorized as a tumour of uncertain differentiation. This entity has shown to have the recurrent balanced chromosomal translocation t(9;22) (q22;q12.2), which leads to the oncogenic fusion gene EWSR1-NR4A3. This sarcoma usually presents as a slow growing, palpable mass in the extremities. EMC arising from the lung is extremely infrequent. We report one case of pulmonary extraskeletal mixoid chondrosarcoma and a review of the world literature.

Case report

A 69-year-old male patient presented with intermittent hemoptysis for the last 6 months. A PET/CT scan showed a hypermetabolic solid mass with lobulated borders of approximately 29 × 26 mm in the inferior right lobe. We performed a right thoracotomy with inferior lobectomy and lymphadenectomy of levels VII, VIII, X, and XI levels. The neoplasm was constituted by cords of small cells with small round nucleus and scarce cytoplasm immerse in an abundant myxoid matrix. The immunophenotype was positive for MUM-1, CDK4, MDM2, and showed focal expression for S-100 protein and CD56. The final pathology report revealed a pulmonary extraskeletal mixoid chondrosarcoma. No further surgical interventions or adjuvant therapies were needed.

Conclusion

EMC is an intermediate-grade neoplasm, characterized by a long clinical course with high potential for local recurrence and distant metastasis. Treatment for EMC is surgical and non-surgical treatment is reserved for recurrence or metastatic disease. Pulmonary extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is a rare neoplasm with only isolated case reports found in the literature.

Clinicopathologic and radiologic features of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: a retrospective study of 40 Chinese cases with literature review

The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathologic and radiologic features of 40 cases of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) from China. There were 25 males and 15 females (sex ratio, 1.7:1). Apart from an adolescent, all patients were adults with a median age of 49years. Twenty-four tumors (60%) occurred in the lower limb and limb girdles, especially the thigh, followed by the upper limb and limb girdles (20%) and trunk (10%). Other less commonly involved locations included the head and neck, sacrococcygeal region, and perineum. Tumors ranged in size from 1.5 to 19cm (mean, 7cm). By radiology, they appeared as hypoattenuated or isoattenuated masses on computed tomography with hyperintense signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Intralesional hypointense septa were present in most cases. Of the 40 tumors, 30 belonged to the classic subtype, whereas 9 cases were cellular, and 1 case had a rhabdoid phenotype. Tumor cells showed variable expression of synaptophysin (36%), S-100 protein (29%), epithelial membrane antigen (11%), and neuron-specific enolase (7%). Ki-67 index was remarkably higher in the cellular variant (mean, 30%). EWSR1-related rearrangement was detected in 12 of 14 cases tested by fluorescence in situ hybridization using break-apart probes. The overall 5- and 7-year survival was 71% and 60%, respectively. Awareness of the imaging features may help pathologists in the diagnosis of EMC. Fluorescence in situ hybridization also serves as a useful diagnostic tool for EMC, especially in the distinction from its mimics.

Spontaneous Regression of Metastatic Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma

Spontaneous regression of tumors is very unusual and is defined as a partial or complete disappearance of metastatic tumors without any treatment. This phenomenon has been reported in almost all types of cancer. The patient was a 25-year-old woman who presented with multiple pulmonary nodules on her bilateral lungs on the annual chest roentgenograph. Simultaneously, a swelling mass on her subcutaneous inguinal region was observed. The diagnosis of the inguinal mass was extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. The inguinal mass and pulmonary nodules spontaneously regressed without any treatment after biopsy. The patient was doing well without evidence of recurrence at 1 year after the operation without any additional therapy. Our case is the first clinical one that indicated a possibility of histologic regression of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma.

Unresectable Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of the Neck: Early Tumor Response to Chemoradiotherapy

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) rarely occurs in the head and neck and is generally managed with primary surgery. To our knowledge, no cases of unresectable EMC of the neck have been reported. We present a case of an unresectable EMC treated with chemotherapy and radiation, and highlight the exceptional early response to therapy. 

Paravertebral extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature

The extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (CME) is a rare malignant soft tissue tumour described as a distinct clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, genetical and evolutive entity. It represents only 2.5% of soft tissue sarcomas. Its individualization is important because it has a long and indolent clinical course, and tumour-related death often occurs after a long survival period. The diagnostic key is morphological supported by immunohistochemistry and genetics t (9; 22) that allow differentiating it from other tumours with myxoid stroma and from chordoma. This report describes a patient with paravertebral extraskeletal myxoid chondrosrcoma with a high locoregional extension.

Myxoid soft-tissue neoplasms: comprehensive update of the taxonomy and MRI features

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the classification, clinical presentation, and histopathologic and MRI features of myxoid soft-tissue neoplasms. CONCLUSION. MRI is the modality of choice for characterization of myxoid soft-tissue tumors. A combination of imaging features (including certain characteristic signs), clinical features, and patient demographics can help the radiologist in coming to a specific diagnosis or in narrowing down the differential diagnoses.

The biology and management of cartilaginous tumors: a role for targeting isocitrate dehydrogenase

Chondrosarcomas are rare mesenchymal neoplasms defined by the production of abnormal cartilaginous matrix. Conventional chondrosarcoma is the most common histology. The management of primary conventional chondrosarcoma generally is surgical with the possible addition of radiation therapy. Treatment of conventional chondrosarcoma is problematic in unresectable or metastatic disease because the tumors tend to be resistant to standard sarcoma chemotherapy regimens. Previous attempts at targeted therapy, including inhibitors of Hedgehog signaling, the mTOR pathway, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) have been largely disappointing. However, heterozygous mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) enzymes recently have been identified in chondrogenic neoplasms, with mutations reported in approximately 87% of benign enchondromas, 70% of conventional chondrosarcomas, and 54% of dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas. The normal IDH protein continues to produce alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) whereas the mutant IDH protein converts KG to the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Clinical trials of novel IDH inhibitors are ongoing, with evidence of early activity in IDH-mutant leukemias. IDH inhibitors show antitumor effects against IDH-mutant chondrosarcoma cell lines, supporting the inclusion of patients with chondrosarcoma with IDH mutations on IDH inhibitor clinical trials for solid tumors. Targeting IDH mutations may offer hope of a novel antineoplastic strategy not only for patients with chondrosarcomas, but also for other solid tumors with aberrant IDH activity.

[Myxoid tumors of deep soft tissues]

Myxoid soft tissue tumors form a heterogeneous group. Their biological potential encompasses the whole spectrum from benign to highly malignant. The present article focuses on myxoid tumors of the deep soft tissues: myxofibrosarcoma, low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma, myxoma, myxoid liposarcoma, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma and nodular fasciitis. The last two decades have brought into practice multiple powerful tools that support pathologists in making precise diagnoses, even on small incisional biopsies: detection of fusion transcripts by rt-PCR, detection of chromosomal fusion or breakpoint by FISH, detection of point mutations by PCR and expression of specific markers by immunohistochemistry. Conventional morphology remains the mainstay of diagnosis, and it is essential to obtain adequate clinical and radiological information before interpreting small incisional biopsies. The present article is a summary of morphologic features used to diagnose the most common tumors of the deep soft tissues.

Recurrence of Pelvic Chondrosarcoma through Fascial Defect into Abdominal Cavity

Our patient was a 76-year-old female who has been operated on 2 times in 8 years for pelvic chondrosarcoma. The patient came to our clinic with a large mass in left iliac region which extended into the paravertebral area. Physical examination and preoperative imagining studies revealed a mass at the left iliac area that infiltrated sciatic notch and extended from posterior iliac region towards the anterior side of iliac bone through the sciatic notch and an incisional hernia including descending colon. The mass was also penetrating the abdominal cavity through the hernia. Surgical intervention was planned. Since the tumor infiltrated the sciatic nerve, hemipelvectomy was indicated. Patient refused hemipelvectomy. Therefore, palliative debulking surgery was considered. We treated the case with marginal excision and abdominal wall reconstruction employing prolene and vicryl suture materials in order to prevent a postoperative visceral herniation and local invasion. At the latest follow-up appointment in 2 years, the patient still had no signs of tumor recurrence. This case showed us that an incisional hernia can serve as a pathway for the recurrence invasion of the chondrosarcoma.

A case report of long-term survival of metastatic extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma treated with surgery and hypofractionated radiotherapy

We describe the case of a patient with a 10-year history of metastatic extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC), who underwent repeated surgical excision and ten courses of hypofractionated radiotherapy to locally recurrent or metastatic disease. We review the literature on EMC’s and propose that surgery and radiotherapy can be used to control disease progression and palliate symptoms for extended periods of time with acceptable toxicity profiles.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of the thigh in a child: a case report

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is aggressive in children. The condition in children differs to that in adults and to skeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. We report on a 9-year-old girl with EMC in her left thigh. She underwent above-knee amputation. Five months later, a small mass was noted at the right lower lobe of the lung. The patient underwent one course of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide chemotherapy, followed by resection of the mass and 8 more courses of chemotherapy. At the 2-year follow-up, she was in remission radiologically.

Clinical and radiologic features of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma including initial presentation, local recurrence, and metastases

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and imaging features of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) including initial presentation, recurrence, and metastases.

Patients and methods.

In this institutional review board-approved retrospective study, imaging features of 13 patients with pathologically proven EMC seen from August 1995 to December 2011 were analyzed. The group included 3 women and 10 men and the mean age was 54 years (range 29–73 years). Imaging studies were evaluated by two radiologists in consensus. Location, size, and imaging features of primary tumors were recorded as well as the presence of recurrent disease and location of metastases.

Results

Among 13 patients, 3 died during the timeframe of this study. Nine patients had primary tumor in the lower extremity, and average tumor size was 9.3 cm (range 3.3–18 cm). On MRI, primary tumors were hyperintense on T2, isointense to muscle on T1, and demonstrated peripheral/septal enhancement. Three patients had local recurrence and 12 had metastatic disease, with lung involvement being the most common. Tumor density on contrast enhanced CT ranged from 8.2 to 82.9 Hounsfield unit (HU). FDG-PET/CT imaging was performed in 3 patients. One patient had no FDG avid disease and 2 patients had metastatic disease with standard uptake values (SUV) of 2.8 and 7.4. The patient with intense FDG uptake demonstrated more solid appearing tumor burden and had the shortest survival.

Conclusions

EMC is a rare tumor that often occurs in the lower extremities and frequently metastasizes to the lungs. Increased tumor density and increased FDG uptake may be related to more aggressive disease.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma with non-EWSR1-NR4A3 variant fusions correlate with rhabdoid phenotype and high-grade morphology

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas (EMC) are rare soft tissue sarcomas with distinctive histology and uncertain histogenesis, characterized by Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1-nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 3 (EWSR1-NR4A3) fusion in 75% of the cases. A smaller proportion of cases show NR4A3 fused to other gene partners including TATA binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15), transcription factor 12 (TCF12), and TRK-fused gene (TFG). The impact of various gene fusions on morphology and outcome has not been previously evaluated. We investigated 26 consecutive EMCs and correlated the genetic findings with morphology and clinical outcome. There were 5 females and 21 males (median age, 49.5 years). Mean size of the tumors was 11 cm. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed EWSR1-NR4A3 gene fusion in 16 cases (62%), TAF15-NR4A3 gene fusion in 7 cases (27%), and TCF12-NR4A3 gene fusion in 1 case (4%). Two cases showed only NR4A3 gene rearrangements. Morphologically, most EWSR1-rearranged tumors (10/16) showed low cellularity, minimal cytologic atypia, and low mitotic counts. In contrast, 80% of EMCs with variant (non-EWSR1) NR4A3 gene fusions (TAF15, TCF12) had high-grade morphology with increased cellularity, proliferation, and cytologic atypia, showing a plasmacytoid/rhabdoid morphology in half the cases. Follow-up showed that only 1 of 16 patients with EWSR1-rearranged tumors died of disease, in contrast to 3 (43%) of 7 TAF15-rearranged tumors. In conclusion, EMCs with variant NR4A3 gene fusions show a higher incidence of rhabdoid phenotype, high-grade morphology, and a more aggressive outcome compared with the EWSR1-NR4A3 positive tumors. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization assay for NR4A3, along with EWSR1, may be an additional ancillary test to confirm diagnosis of EMCs.

Chondrosarcoma of bone

Chondrosarcoma is a cartilage forming neoplasm, which is the second most common primary malignancy of bone. Clinicians who treat chondrosarcoma patients must determine the grade of the tumor, and must ascertain the likelihood of metastasis. Acral lesions are unlikely to metastasize, regardless of grade, whereas axial, or more proximal lesions are much more likely to metastasize than tumors found in the distal extremities with equivalent histology. Chondrosarcoma is resistant to both chemotherapy and radiation, making wide local excision the only treatment. Local recurrence is frequently seen after intralesional excision, thus wide local excision is sometimes employed despite significant morbidity, even in low-grade lesions. Chondrosarcoma is difficult to treat. The surgeon must balance the risk of significant morbidity with the ability to minimize the chance of local recurrence and maximize the likelihood of long-term survival.

Anthracycline-based chemotherapy in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare subgroup within soft tissue sarcomas. Its sensitivity to chemotherapy is reported to be low.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a series of 11 EMC patients treated as from 2001 within the Italian Rare Cancer Network (RCN) with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Pathologic diagnosis was centrally reviewed in all cases and confirmed by the presence of the specific chromosomal rearrangements, involving the NR4A3 gene locus on chromosome 9.

RESULTS

Eleven patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy were included (M/F: 9/2 - mean age: 52 years - site of primary: lower limb/other = 9/2 - metastatic = 11 - front line/ further line = 10/1 - anthracycline as single agent/ combined with ifosfamide = 1/10). Ten patients are evaluable for response. Overall, best response according to RECIST was: partial response (PR) = 4 (40 %), stable disease (SD) = 3, progressive disease (PD) = 3 cases. Median PFS was 8 (range 2-10) months.

CONCLUSIONS

By contrast to what reported so far, anthracycline-based chemotherapy is active in a distinct proportion of EMC patients.

Primary extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the vulva

Extraskeletal chondrosarcoma is rare, making up only 1% of reported chondrosarcoma. We experienced 3 cases of extraskeletal chondrosarcoma, especially in vulva. They were suspected as lipoma of the vulva. The patients had noticed a small but growing mass on their vulva which had been palpated earlier. The masses were excised with a 2 cm resection margin. The final pathological reports confirmed extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (EMC) of the vulva revealing no microscopic lesions on the resection margins. After 24 months of following from the initial diagnosis, the patients remain without evidence of any recurrent. Management of EMC is not well studied due to the rare and variable nature of the disease. However, the surgery, such as we had, is the mainstay of local treatment with studies showing better survival in patients who undergo wide surgical resection. The establishment of adjuvant systemic pharmacotherapy could be expected in the future.