Postradiation vascular proliferations: an increasing problem

Post-Irradiation Breast Angiosarcoma: All the Possible Treatments and Electrochemotherapy. Case Report and Literature Review

Breast angiosarcoma is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of all soft tissue cancers. It comprises primitive and secondary subtypes, such as radiogenic breast angiosarcoma (RAS). Despite multimodal treatment, angiosarcomas represent an incurable disease for many patients and a significant cause of deterioration in their quality of life. Surgery is a cornerstone in management, but high recurrence rates are reported. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a practicable locoregional treatment for patients with advanced angiosarcoma as part of a multimodal therapeutic strategy. The palliative benefits of ECT include optimal patient compliance, good local hemostasis control, and positive local responses. Since only 22 cases are described in the literature, we reported a rare case of RAS treated with ECT after a multidisciplinary approach, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). A literature review on the feasibility of ECT in RAS management was also performed.

Angiosarcoma of the Breast: Overview of Current Data and Multimodal Imaging Findings

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare breast cancer, which can arise de novo (primary breast angiosarcoma, PBA) or as a secondary malignancy (secondary breast angiosarcoma, SBA) as a result of a biological insult. In the latter case, it is usually diagnosed in patients with a previous history of radiation therapy following a conserving treatment for breast cancer. Over the years, the advances in early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, with increasing use of breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy (instead of radical mastectomy), brought about an increased incidence of the secondary type. PBA and SBA have different clinical presentations and often represent a diagnostic challenge due to the nonspecific imaging findings. The purpose of this paper is to review and describe the radiological features of breast angiosarcoma, both in conventional and advanced imaging to guide radiologists in the diagnosis and management of this rare tumor.

The Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis of Primary and Secondary Breast Angiosarcoma: Twenty-Five-Year Experience of a Provincial Cancer Institution

BACKGROUND

Breast angiosarcoma may arise spontaneously (primary breast angiosarcoma (PBA)) or may arise secondary to a biological insult, such as radiation therapy (secondary breast angiosarcoma (SBA)). We evaluated the imaging findings of patients diagnosed with PBA and SBA within the province of British Columbia, Canada.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a multi-center, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with PBA and SBA over a 25-year period. Patients were identified via a provincial database which registers all cases of sarcoma. Patients diagnosed with histologically proven PBA and SBA were eligible for inclusion. Multimodal breast imaging reviewed included mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were diagnosed with PBA and 22 patients were diagnosed with SBA. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of patients diagnosed with PBA (45.5 years (19.7 years)) was less than that of patients diagnosed with SBA (75.8 years (13.8 years), P < .001). Patients diagnosed with PBA (90.9%) were more likely to present with a parenchymal mass clinically and radiographically than those with SBA (28.6%, P < .002). Patients diagnosed with SBA (71.4%) were more likely to present with cutaneous findings than patients diagnosed with PBA (0.0%, P < .05). Without specific clinical context, the imaging findings of PBA and SBA were observed to be non-specific.

CONCLUSION

This is the only study which evaluated the imaging findings of patients diagnosed with PBA and SBA within a large, defined geographical area. Given non-specific imaging findings, awareness of the disease and clear and timely communication between radiologists and clinicians is required to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management.

Radiation Induced Atypical Vascular Lesion in the Breast

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Atypical vascular lesion (AVL) became a separate WHO diagnosis in November 2019. Due to a possible risk of developing angiosarcoma, extensive surgery with excision of AVL has been recommended but the benefit from this is questionable. We investigated whether the change in WHO classification has led to an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with AVL, thereby leading to an increase in extensive surgery.

METHOD

The Danish National Pathology Databank was used to identify patients diagnosed with AVL between June 1, 2010 to June 31, 2020. The rate of AVL diagnosed before and after change in WHO classification was compared.

RESULTS

In total, 13 cases of AVL were identified, 3 cases diagnosed before changes in WHO classification corresponding to 0.025 cases per month, compared to 8 cases, 1.143 cases per month, after the change in WHO classification. This corresponded to a 45-fold increase (95%CI: 10.88-265,31) (P < .0001) in AVL diagnosis. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 67 years. Patients received treatment varying from yearly follow up to extensive surgery. Non developed angiosarcoma in the follow-up period of 22 months.

CONCLUSION

The changes in WHO classification of AVL has led to a considerable increase in the number of patients diagnosed with the lesion. No standardized treatment exists for this rare condition, but extensive surgery is often recommended to this frail population despite the lack of evidence for prognostic benefit from the procedure. Prospective follow-up studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy.

Radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast with initial presentation as non-mass enhancement on MRI

Radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast (RAASB) is a rare and aggressive malignancy occurring after radiation therapy as part of breast cancer treatment. RAASB usually presents several years after prior radiation and typically involves the skin with or without involvement of the parenchyma. Most RAASB are detected as cutaneous changes on physical exam. Herein, we present a unique case of a clinically occult RAASB diagnosed as non-mass enhancement on annual surveillance breast MRI.

Clinical and Molecular Insights of Radiation-Induced Breast Sarcomas: Is There Hope on the Horizon for Effective Treatment of This Aggressive Disease?

Radiation-induced breast sarcomas (RIBS) are rare entities representing <1% of all primary breast malignancies, limiting most reports to small retrospective case series. They constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, with high-grade angiosarcoma being the most common subtype. Other sarcoma histotypes, such as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, can also be identified. Radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma (RIBA) has an incidence of approximately 0.1% after breast-conserving therapy and arises mainly from the dermis of the irradiated breast. MYC gene amplification is highly indicative of secondary breast angiosarcomas. Their clinical presentation often mimics benign port-radiation lesions, leading to a delay in diagnosis and a lost window of opportunity for cure. Surgery with negative margins is the mainstay of treatment of localized RIBS. In the case of angiosarcoma, technical difficulties, including multifocality, infiltrative margins, and difficulty in assessing tumor margins, render surgical treatment quite challenging. A limited number of studies showed that adjuvant radiation therapy reduces local recurrences; therefore, it is proposed by many groups for large, high-grade tumors. Chemotherapy has been evaluated retrospectively in a small subset of patients, with some evidence supporting its use in angiosarcoma patients. Approximately half of patients with RIBA will show local recurrence. In the advanced setting, different therapeutic options are discussed in the review, including chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and immunotherapy, whereas the need for further research on molecular therapeutic targets is pointed out.

Imaging features of primary sites and metastatic patterns of angiosarcoma

Angiosarcomas are rare, aggressive soft tissue sarcomas originating from endothelial cells of lymphatic or vascular origin and associated with a poor prognosis. The clinical and imaging features of angiosarcomas are heterogeneous with a wide spectrum of findings involving any site of the body, but these most commonly present as cutaneous disease in the head and neck of elderly men. MRI and CT are complementary imaging techniques in assessing the extent of disease, focality and involvement of adjacent anatomical structures at the primary site of disease. CT plays an important role in the evaluation of metastatic disease. Given the wide range of imaging findings, correlation with clinical findings, specific risk factors and patterns of metastatic disease can help narrow the differential diagnosis. The final diagnosis should be confirmed with histopathology and immunohistochemistry in combination with clinical and imaging findings in a multidisciplinary setting with specialist sarcoma expertise. The purpose of this review is to describe the clinical and imaging features of primary sites and metastatic patterns of angiosarcomas utilising CT and MRI.

Radiation-Associated Angiosarcoma of the Breast and Chest Wall Treated with Thermography-Controlled, Contactless wIRA-Hyperthermia and Hypofractionated Re-Irradiation

Simple Summary

This retrospective study reports on 10 patients with radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast and chest wall treated during the past decade. In this rare disease local control is highly dependent on the extent of surgery. Further treatment options are urgently needed. Re-iradiation in combination with localized hyperthermia should be considered for adjuvant and definitive treatment of nonresectable radiation-associated angiosarcomas. The presented hypofractionated re-irradiation schedule with 5 × 4 Gy once per week immediately following wIRA-hyperthermia is a promising option to further reduce the radiation dose recommended so far. This could reduce side effects without compromising local control.

Abstract

Background: Radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast (RAASB) is a rare, challenging disease, with surgery being the accepted basic therapeutic approach. In contrast, the role of adjuvant and systemic therapies is a subject of some controversy. Local recurrence rates reported in the literature are mostly heterogeneous and are highly dependent on the extent of surgery. In cases of locally recurrent or unresectable RAASB, prognosis is very poor. Methods: We retrospectively report on 10 consecutive RAASB patients, most of them presenting with locally recurrent or unresectable RAASB, which were treated with thermography-controlled water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) superficial hyperthermia (HT) immediately followed by re-irradiation (re-RT). Patients with RAASB were graded based on their tumor extent before onset of radiotherapy (RT). Results: We recorded a local control (LC) rate dependent on tumor extent ranging from a high LC rate of 100% (two of two patients) in the adjuvant setting with an R0 or R2 resection to a limited LC rate of 33% (one of three patients) in patients with inoperable, macroscopic tumor lesions. Conclusion: Combined HT and re-RT should be considered as an option (a) for adjuvant treatment of RAASB, especially in cases with positive resection margins and after surgery of local recurrence (LR), and (b) for definitive treatment of unresectable RAASB.

Breast Sarcomas, Phyllodes Tumors, and Desmoid Tumors: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Staging, and Histology-Specific Management Considerations

Breast sarcomas arise from connective tissues of the breast and account for fewer than 1% of all breast malignancies. They can be subclassified as primary breast sarcomas, which arise de novo and are histologically diverse, and secondary breast sarcomas, which arise as a result of radiation or lymphedema and are most commonly angiosarcomas. Two other connective tissue neoplasms that occur within the breast include phyllodes tumors and desmoid tumors, which exhibit a spectrum of behaviors. Malignant phyllodes tumors are biologically similar to primary breast sarcomas, whereas desmoid tumors are technically benign but often locally aggressive. Patients with breast sarcomas often present with a rapidly growing mass or, in cases of radiation-associated angiosarcoma, violaceous cutaneous lesions. Core needle biopsy is generally required to confirm the diagnosis of sarcomas. Staging workup includes MRI and chest imaging, although these are not required in the case of benign phyllodes or desmoid tumors. In general, localized breast sarcomas should be resected, with the extent of resection tailored to histologic subtype. Radiation and chemotherapy can be used in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, but data are limited, so treatment decisions should be made on an individualized basis. Systemic therapy options for metastatic disease and refractory breast desmoids mimic those used for the same histologies when present in other sites. Given the rarity and heterogeneity of breast sarcoma, as well as limited literature describing these entities, expert multidisciplinary evaluation is crucial for optimal decision making.

Atypical Vascular Proliferation Secondary to Radiotherapy in a Patient With a History of Synovial Sarcoma

We present the case of a 21-year-old male patient with a history of monophasic synovial sarcoma in his left thigh, which was treated with surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with mesna, doxorubicin, and Ifosfamide (MAI protocol). Approximately six years after the end of the oncological treatment, he presented a nodular, polypoid lesion in the left popliteal region, which was painless and fast growing. Ultimately, the biopsy was consistent with atypical vascular proliferation (AVP). Vascular lesions after radiotherapy include a wide spectrum of pathologies that range from benign lesions such as AVP to malignant ones with very poor prognosis such as angiosarcoma, the distinction between one and the other can be difficult, being the determination rearrangement or amplification of gene c-myc, a key to make an accurate diagnosis in case of doubt.

Masson's tumor involving the hand: A case report

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Masson’s tumor or IPEH is a rare benign tumor composed of reactive endothelial cells in a thrombus.

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Angiosarcoma may mimick Masson’s tumor, thus ruling it out is imperative.

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Surgical resection conveys excellent outcome and prognosis, with handful of recurrence cases.

Introduction

Masson’s tumor or IPEH represents a rare exuberant endothelial proliferation within a thrombus through an uncomprehended phenomenon. Being reported for the 1st time in Saudi Arabia, plastic surgeons should keep it in the list of differential diagnosis.

Case

We report a case of 17-year-old-girl who presented with a 6-month-old, painful mass on the volar side of her left 4th MCP. Radiology was inconclusive. Histopathology reported Masson’s tumor following surgical excision with good functional outcome and no recurrence.

Discussion

Comprising 2%–4% of overall skin vascular tumor and with no identifying clinical or radiological feature, IPEH poses as a diagnostic challenge. The literature reports similar tumors in the hand with different locations and presentations. Surgical excision remains the cornerstone of management, yet the role of radiotherapy remains undefined. Incomplete excision may result in recurrence, which requires a consensus on the extend of marginal excision. Rare cases of recurrence were reported. Histopathology is the only reliable method of diagnosis.

Conclusion

We present the 1st reported case of IPEH involving the hand in Saudi Arabia. Plastic surgeons should be aware of such rare conditions and be able to differentiate them from relatively identical yet more sinister tumors, especially angiosarcoma.

Papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's tumor) developed in the capsule of the implant in a breast cancer patient treated with mastectomy and radiation therapy

Papillary endothelial hyperplasia (PEH) is an uncommon benign vascular proliferation appearing in soft tissues in different body areas including the breast, which may be related to radiation therapy. A 48-year-old woman previously treated for breast cancer with mastectomy followed by radiation therapy and reconstruction with an implant presented with a newly developing mass in the implant capsule. Pathological diagnosis was PEH. Imaging features of this rare entity are described, and lesions included in differential diagnosis are discussed.

Soft Tissue Special Issue: Cutaneous Pleomorphic Spindle Cell Tumors

This manuscript provides an overview of pleomorphic spindle cell tumors presenting on sun-damaged skin of the elderly and includes discussions of atypical fibroxanthoma, pleomorphic dermal sarcoma, spindle cell and metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma, spindle cell and dedifferentiated melanoma and poorly differentiated cutaneous angiosarcoma. These tumors share many of the clinical presenting and histological features, making confident diagnosis challenging. A reliable and robust diagnosis is necessary to predict behavior as the biologic potential of these tumors ranges from benign (e.g. atypical fibroxanthoma) to outright malignant with poor survival rates (e.g. cutaneous angiosarcoma). The salient clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics are discussed in detail with emphasis on distinguishing features and differential diagnosis to provide the reader with a better understanding of these entities and helpful clues for a more robust diagnosis.

An Overview of Uncommon Cutaneous Malignancies, Including Skin Appendageal (Adnexal) Tumours and Sarcomas

A standardised classification of malignant skin appendageal (adnexal) tumours and sarcomas is required for improved patient management and prognosis. This has been hindered by considerable morphological variation both within and between tumour types, the use of many synonyms for the same tumour types and variation in classification between pathologists. This update uses the improved classification in the 2018 WHO classification of skin tumours as the basis to discuss malignant skin appendageal tumours, sarcomas and cutaneous metastases that regularly present to skin cancer clinicians, multidisciplinary skin cancer teams and tumour boards, with current evidence for management, where appropriate.

Two cases of radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast

Background

The incidence of radiation-associated angiosarcoma (RAA) of the breast has been increasing, and its prognosis is reportedly poor. It is important to remove tumor tissues completely to prevent recurrence.

Case presentation

We report two cases of patients with RAA of the breast. Both patients had a nodule in their remaining breast a few years after undergoing breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy for breast cancer. The nodules were diagnosed as angiosarcoma by skin biopsy and open biopsy, respectively. To determine the extent of lesion spread, mapping biopsy was performed before surgery. Both patients underwent mastectomy, extensive skin resection, and split skin grafting. Pathological findings showed that their tumors could be completely resected. After surgery, chemotherapy was performed.

Conclusion

In our cases, no local or distant recurrence has been detected in either patient for over 4 years. We identified the range of tumor invasion by preoperative mapping biopsy and completely resected all tumor tissue.

Angiosarcoma: clinical and imaging features from head to toe

Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive subtype of soft-tissue sarcoma with a propensity for local recurrence and metastasis associated with a generally poor prognosis, unless diagnosed early. Given the vascular endothelial cell origin of angiosarcoma, tumours may develop in essentially any organ; however, there is a predilection for the skin where half of all tumours arise, increasing in prevalence with age. The most common risk factors are chronic lymphoedema and history of radiation. We review the most important radiological findings along the spectrum of angiosarcoma from head to toe throughout the body, including uncommon and rare locations. Key imaging features of angiosarcoma across multiple organ systems will be described, as well as the impact on management and prognosis.

Cutaneous Angiosarcoma: Clinical and Pathology Study of 16 Cases

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Primary cutaneous angiosarcoma is one of the most aggressive skin tumors and carries a very poor prognosis. Its initially indolent clinical presentation explains the frequently late diagnosis that, together with its typically multifocal pattern and poor delimitation, often makes surgery difficult. The low incidence of primary cutaneous angiosarcoma means that few large single-center series have been published. We review the clinical and pathologic characteristics of cutaneous angiosarcomas treated in our hospital, looking for prognostic factors and for possible diagnostic traits that could facilitate early diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study including all patients diagnosed with cutaneous angiosarcoma in Instituto Valenciano de Oncología in Valencia, Spain between January 2000 and December 2015. We recorded 16 clinical parameters, including age, sex, type of angiosarcoma, site, size, and time since diagnosis, and 8 histopathologic parameters.

RESULTS

We identified 16 patients (11 women and 5 men) with cutaneous angiosarcoma. Their mean age was 67 years (median, 71 years). The most common site was the trunk (10 cases), followed by the head and neck (5 cases). The mean size of the tumor was 10cm (median, 6.5cm). Fourteen patients underwent surgical excision. Six of the 16 patients were alive at the end of the study, after a mean follow-up period of 42.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The major determinants of survival among patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma are tumor size and patient age. Other characteristics associated with a poor prognosis were infiltration of deep planes (muscle), a predominantly solid histologic pattern, and a larger number of mitoses.

Vascular tumours of the breast: a comprehensive review with focus on diagnostic challenges encountered in the core biopsy setting

Vascular proliferations of the breast comprise a spectrum of benign and malignant lesions. In limited samples, such as core needle biopsies (CNB), these lesions may be difficult to distinguish due to significant overlap in morphological features. As the treatment and prognosis of these entities vary widely, it is important for pathologists to consider a complete differential diagnosis and correctly synthesise histological features, results of adjunctive immunohistochemical studies, and pertinent clinical and imaging information, to render an accurate diagnosis in such limited samples. The diagnostic pitfalls of under- or overdiagnosis of vascular lesions sampled in CNB will also be discussed.

Radiation-Associated Angiosarcoma of the Breast: What the Radiologist Needs to Know

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of radiation-associated angiosarcoma (RAS) of the breast.

CONCLUSION

Radiologists play an important role in the diagnosis of RAS, which may initially present clinically as erythema, ecchymosis, or skin thickening. Conventional imaging with mammography and ultrasound is less sensitive than MRI for the diagnosis of RAS. Follow-up CT is important to monitor treatment response.

Advances in the clinicopathological and molecular classification of cutaneous mesenchymal neoplasms

In recent years, there have been several important refinements in the classification of cutaneous mesenchymal neoplasms, including the description of new tumour types, along with the identification of novel and recurrent molecular genetic findings. In addition to providing new insights into tumour biology, many of these advances have had significant clinical consequences with regard to diagnostics, management, and prognostication. Newly described entities include pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma, haemosiderotic fibrolipomatous tumour, and fibroblastic connective tissue naevus, which are reviewed in the context of the principal differential diagnoses and significant clinical implications. Genetic characterization of several soft tissue tumour types that occur in the skin has resulted in the identification of diagnostically useful markers: ALK gene rearrangement with corresponding ALK protein expression by immunohistochemistry in epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma; the WWTR1-CAMTA1 fusion gene with CAMTA1 protein expression in epithelioid haemangioendothelioma; MYC amplification and overexpression in radiation-associated angiosarcoma; and EWSR1 gene rearrangement in cutaneous myoepithelial tumours. Finally, the classification of intradermal smooth muscle tumours and unclassified/pleomorphic dermal sarcoma has been refined, resulting in both improved classification and improved prognostication. Many of the tumour types listed above are encountered not only by specialist dermatopathologists, but also by practising general surgical pathologists, and this review should therefore provide a widely applicable update on the histological and molecular classification of cutaneous mesenchymal neoplasms, along with the appropriate use of ancillary diagnostic tests, in particular immunohistochemistry, in the evaluation of such lesions and their histological mimics.

Four cases of echogenic breast lesions: a case series and review

Echogenic breast lesions are generally thought to be benign. We herein report four cases of echogenic breast lesions that were seen at our centre over 38 months. One patient had a prior history of wide excision and radiotherapy for breast cancer and was imaged as part of routine cancer surveillance, while the other three were recalled for further assessment following an abnormal screening mammogram. All four patients were assessed on ultrasonography, which demonstrated an echogenic lesion in each patient. All four lesions underwent ultrasonography-guided core biopsy, followed by excision biopsy. The indications for biopsy were interval increase in the size of lesion or indeterminate features demonstrated in the lesion. Three lesions were benign, while the lesion from the patient who had received previous radiotherapy was angiosarcoma. Not all echogenic lesions are benign and lesions with suspicious features on ultrasonography should undergo biopsy.

An update on the application of newly described immunohistochemical markers in soft tissue pathology

CONTEXT

During the last 5 to 10 years, significant progress has been made in the molecular characterization of soft tissue tumors, predominantly with the identification of recurrent translocations or amplification of certain genes in different tumor types. Alongside this, translational efforts have identified many novel and diagnostically useful immunohistochemical markers for many of these tumor types.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews a select group of recently described immunohistochemical markers of particular use in the evaluation of mesenchymal neoplasms; the underlying biology of the protein product, practical utility, and limitations of each marker are discussed in detail.

DATA SOURCES

Literature review, authors' research data, and personal practice experience serve as sources.

CONCLUSIONS

There are many diagnostically useful immunohistochemical markers to help confirm the diagnosis of many different soft tissue tumor types, some of which have reduced the need for additional, and more costly, studies, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization. However, no one marker is 100% specific for a given tumor, and knowledge of potential pitfalls and overlap in patterns of staining among other tumor types is crucial to ensure the appropriate application of these markers in clinical practice.

Contemporary diagnostics: sarcoma pathology update

Sarcoma diagnosis continues to evolve as new information is discovered. Certain tumors have been downgraded (dermal leiomyosarcoma) and an atypical category designed for others. Recently entities include myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma, myoepithelioma, and pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma. The terms malignant fibrous histiocytoma and hemangiopericytoma are outdated. New immunostains (STAT6, SOX10, ERG) add diagnostic specificity, and new risk assessment models are described for sarcomas where grading and staging has failed to provide adequate prognosis.

Prevention of pelvic radiation disease

Pelvic cancers are among the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Treatment of patients requires a multidisciplinary approach that frequently includes radiotherapy. Gastrointestinal (GI) radiation-induced toxicity is a major complication and the transient or long-term problems, ranging from mild to very severe, arising in non-cancerous tissues resulting from radiation treatment to a tumor of pelvic origin, are actually called as pelvic radiation disease. The incidence of pelvic radiation disease changes according to the radiation technique, the length of follow up, the assessment method, the type and stage of cancer and several other variables. Notably, even with the most recent radiation techniques, i.e., intensity-modulated radiotherapy, the incidence of radiation-induced GI side effects is overall reduced but still not negligible. In addition, radiation-induced GI side effects can develop even after several decades; therefore, the improvement of patient life expectancy will unavoidably increase the risk of developing radiation-induced complications. Once developed, the management of pelvic radiation disease may be challenging. Therefore, the prevention of radiation-induced toxicity represents a reasonable way to avoid a dramatic drop of the quality of life of these patients. In the current manuscript we provide an updated and practical review on the best available evidences in the field of the prevention of pelvic radiation disease.

Radiotherapy-induced mesorectum alterations: histological evaluation of 90 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

In order to identify the radiotherapy-induced histological modifications in the mesorectum, we reviewed the surgical specimens of 90 rectal resections comprehensive of the total mesorectal excision (23 cases radiologically classified as cT2N0M0 and 67 as cT3N0M0). All patients were preoperative treated with radiotherapy: 20 with 50 Gy, 20 with 20 Gy and 50 Gy irradiation associated to FOLFOX scheme chemotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Routine hematoxylin and eosin stained serial slides at 5 mm of intervals were obtained from surgical specimens and included the tumor site and the adjacent irradiated mucosa, the submucosa and the muscular layers of the rectal wall and the mesorectal adipose tissue, completely removed until to the mesorectal fascia. Ten subjects (eight cT2N0M0 and two cT3N0M0), who did not received preoperative oncological treatments were adopted as controls.

RESULTS

Histologically, examination revealed fibrosis of the adipose tissue in 86 cases (95%), vascular damage including vasculities and fibrotic thickening wall of arteries and veins in 46 cases (51%), sclero-hyalinosis of lymph nodes with pericapsular fibrosis in 22 cases (23%) and perineural deposition of fibrosis in 12 (13%). These findings were ubiquitously observed in the whole mesorectum. Fibrosis of the adipose tissue and vasculitis were mainly associated to the combination of 50 Gy radiations plus chemotherapy (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The detection of histopathological alterations in the mesorectum can give reason of the well-known postoperative complications and long-term sequels.

The spectrum of rare morphological variants of cutaneous epithelioid angiosarcoma

AIMS

Unusual cytoplasmic alterations have recently been reported in poorly differentiated cutaneous angiosarcoma, making an accurate diagnosis challenging. As these tumours remain poorly documented, we aimed to study their clinicopathological characteristics more comprehensively.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Six cutaneous angiosarcomas with unusual cytoplasmic alterations were identified from referral files. All tumours arose as nodules or plaques (range: 05-195 mm) on sun-damaged skin of the head and neck of elderly males (median age: 76.5 years). Histologically, the tumours were composed of enlarged epithelioid cells showing prominent signet ring (n = 3), foam (n = 2) or granular cell (n = 1) change. Vasoformative elements were only focally noted. By immunohistochemistry, all tumours expressed CD31 and avian v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homologue (ERG). Foam cell change was associated with additional expression of CD68 and CD163. Follow-up (median: 8 months) showed death from disease (n = 1), death from a gastrointestinal bleed (n = 1), and a cutaneous metastasis (n = 1). Only two patients are alive with no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings outline the morphological spectrum of cytoplasmic change in cutaneous angiosarcoma. Awareness and a high degree of suspicion in the context of tumours affecting sun-damaged skin of the elderly are necessary to direct appropriate immunohistochemical work-up with inclusion of the endothelial cell markers CD31 and ERG.

[Cutaneous angiosarcoma: new aspects]

Cutaneous angiosarcoma is an aggressive endothelial cell neoplasm with a high associated mortality. Reliable and confident diagnosis is necessary but frequently challenging due to the wide morphological spectrum and broad differential diagnosis of the disease. Furthermore, the final diagnosis often relies on immunohistochemical evidence of endothelial cell differentiation which is further complicated by the lack of sensitivity and specificity of conventional endothelial cell markers. The following article outlines the clinical and histological spectrum of cutaneous angiosarcoma with emphasis on novel findings relating to immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics in the context of the relevant differential diagnosis.

MRI findings of radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast (RAS)

PURPOSE

To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of radiation-associated breast angiosarcomas (RAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this Institutional Review board (IRB)-approved retrospective study, 57 women were diagnosed with pathologically confirmed RAS during the study period (January 1999 to May 2013). Seventeen women underwent pretreatment breast MRI (prior to surgical resection or chemotherapy), of which 16 studies were available for review. Imaging features, including all available mammograms, ultrasounds, and breast MRIs, of these patients were evaluated by two radiologists independently and correlated with clinical management and outcomes.

RESULTS

The median age of patients at original breast cancer diagnosis was 69.3 years (range 42-84 years), with average time from initial radiation therapy to diagnosis of RAS of 7.3 years (range 5.1-9.5 years). Nine women had mammograms (9/16, 56%) and six had breast ultrasound (US) (6/16, 38%) prior to MRI, which demonstrated nonsuspicious findings in 5/9 mammograms and 3/6 ultrasounds. Four patients had distinct intraparenchymal masses on mammogram and MRI. MRI findings included diffuse T2 high signal skin thickening (16/16, 100%). Nearly half (7/16, 44%) of patients had T2 low signal intensity lesions; all lesions rapidly enhanced on postcontrast T1 -weighted imaging. All women underwent surgical resection, with 8/16 (50%) receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Four women died during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Clinical, mammographic, and sonographic findings of RAS are nonspecific and may be occult on conventional breast imaging; MRI findings of RAS include rapidly enhancing dermal and intraparenchymal lesions, some of which are low signal on T2 weighted imaging.

Graft-versus-host disease-associated angiomatosis: a clinicopathologically distinct entity

BACKGROUND

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may present with various cutaneous manifestations. Isolated case reports describe eruptive angiomas in this setting.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to provide a clinical and pathologic description of vascular proliferations in patients with GVHD.

METHODS

Cases of documented GVHD associated with vascular proliferations were collected from the National Institutes of Health, Ohio State University, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

RESULTS

Eleven patients with a diagnosis of GVHD who developed vascular proliferations were identified. All patients manifested sclerotic type chronic GVHD of the skin. Vascular lesions were first documented a median of 44 months after transplantation and occurred primarily on the lower extremities or trunk. Histopathology revealed anastomosing networks of thin-walled vascular proliferations in a vague lobular growth pattern, with overlying epidermal acanthosis, peripheral collarette, ulceration, and disorganized fibroblast-rich and fibrotic stroma. Improvement was noted in 1 patient treated with propranolol and sirolimus and 1 patient with electrocautery.

LIMITATIONS

Given the retrospective nature of the study, the overall incidence of vascular lesions in patients with GVHD is unknown. Histopathology was present for review on only 3 of 11 patients.

CONCLUSION

The phenomenon of vascular lesions appears to be relatively specific for sclerotic type chronic GVHD when compared with other fibrosing diseases. We propose the term "graft-versus-host disease-associated angiomatosis" to describe this entity.

Management of radiation-induced rectal bleeding

Pelvic radiation disease is one of the major complication after radiotherapy for pelvic cancers. The most commonly reported symptom is rectal bleeding which affects patients' quality of life. Therapeutic strategies for rectal bleeding are generally ignored and include medical, endoscopic, and hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Most cases of radiation-induced bleeding are mild and self-limiting, and treatment is normally not indicated. In cases of clinically significant bleeding (i.e. anaemia), medical therapies, including stool softeners, sucralfate enemas, and metronidazole, should be considered as first-line treatment options. In cases of failure, endoscopic therapy, mainly represented by argon plasma coagulation and hyperbaric oxygen treatments, are valid and complementary second-line treatment strategies. Although current treatment options are not always supported by high-quality studies, patients should be reassured that treatment options exist and success is achieved in most cases if the patient is referred to a dedicated centre.

Mechanisms of cellular fibrosis associated with cancer regimen-related toxicities

Fibrosis is a common, persistent and potentially debilitating complication of chemotherapy and radiation regimens used for the treatment of cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis have been well studied and reveal overall processes that are largely ubiquitous. However, it is important to note that although the processes are similar, they result in cellular phenotypes that are highly tissue specific. These tissue specific differences may present opportunities for therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat this often irreversible condition. Data generated from animal models of cancer therapy-related tissue toxicities have revealed that the signaling pathways involved in fibrosis are the same as those involved in the normal injury response and include the transforming growth factor β superfamily and a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The critical difference between normal wound healing and fibrosis development appears to be, that in fibrosis, these signaling pathways escape normal cellular regulation. As a result, an injury state is maintained and processes involved in normal healing are usurped. There are a few, if any, therapeutics that effectively prevent or treat fibrosis in patients. Consequently, cancer survivors may be chronically plagued with a variety of life-altering fibrosis-related symptoms. Uncovering the signaling pathways that drive cellular fibrosis is paramount to the development of specific therapeutics that will mitigate this potentially devastating condition.

Clinical management of secondary angiosarcoma after breast conservation therapy

AIM

The aim of this paper is to summarize the treatment outputs of secondary angiosarcoma after breast conservation therapy at St. Eizabeth Cancer Centre, Slovakia.

BACKGROUND

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare but very aggressive malignant tumor of the vascular endothelium, characterized by rapidly proliferating and extensively infiltrating growth. Breast angiosarcoma may occur de novo, or as a complication of radiation therapy, or chronic lymphedema secondary to axillary lymph node dissection for mammary carcinoma. Radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer is associated with an increased risk of subsequent sarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of medical records from the cancer databases was done in order to analyze the secondary breast angiosarcoma. This disease is an iatrogenic condition that warrants close follow-up and judicial use of radiotherapy in breast conserving therapy. Therefore, it is more prevalent in cases treated with radiotherapy, occurring especially in or adjacent to the radiation field. Clinical histories and follow-up data of identified patients after breast conservation therapy of invasive breast cancer were reviewed. In addition, a comprehensive literature review on diagnosis and treatment procedures was done in order to summarize state-of-the-art clinical approach.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Three cases of secondary angiosarcoma after breast conservation therapy (BCT) were identified among 4600 patients treated at St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute during previous 16 years (1995-2011). Secondary breast angiosarcoma was diagnosed in a median period of 11 years following primary radiotherapy, median age at the time of diagnosis was 75 years. Surgical treatment consisted of radical mastectomy. The first patient, a 56-year-old woman received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (docetaxel + gemcitabin), second one (75 year) was treated by radiotherapy (TD 26 Gy, 2 Gy per fraction), since chemotherapy was not indicated. The last patient (80 year) got adjuvant chemotherapy (paclitaxel). Average follow up of the patients was 31 months. As of 31 July 2012, our patients were doing well without evidence of recurrent disease after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Angiosarcoma remains a difficult management problem with poor loco-regional and distal control. In our study, an overall incidence rate of secondary breast angiosarcoma is 0.065%. Although the prognosis for this disease is poor (typical survival period is 14.5-34 months with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 15%), all the three patients treated at our institute are alive and disease-free at the end of reported period. Finally, it is assumed that the use of breast conserving therapy will increase the incidence of post-irradiation angiosarcoma but the small difference in risk of subsequent sarcoma of the breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy does not suppress its benefit.

Post-radiation atypical vascular lesion/angiosarcoma arising in the larynx

Atypical vascular lesions (AVL) and angiosarcomas (AS) are lesions known to arise after radiation therapy. These lesions can show overlap in both their gross and histologic pictures, and distinction between the two can be extremely challenging at times. They are known most commonly to arise in the breast region after radiation therapy. We present the first unique case of post-radiation AVL/AS arising in the larynx of a 51 year old woman, occurring 8 years after she received radiation for tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.

Radiation-induced vascular lesions of the skin: an overview

Radiation-induced cutaneous vascular neoplasms occur infrequently and comprise benign, so-called atypical vascular lesions (AVL) and angiosarcomas (AS), often being high-grade malignant tumors. Both arise most frequently within previously irradiated skin in breast-conserving-treated mammary cancer patients. Because of the different clinical course and, consequently, different therapeutic approaches, histopathologic distinction of AVL and AS is essential but significant morphologic overlap has been documented. Furthermore, the coexistence of these lesions or progression of AVL into AS has rarely been reported. Whether AVL is a precursor of AS is much debated and unresolved to date. Recent interest has focused on genetic changes and their differences in AS and AVL. MYC amplification and expression of the corresponding protein has been identified in AS in comparison with AVL. Therefore, MYC fluorescent in situ hybridization and anti-MYC immunohistochemical analysis are diagnostically useful in difficult cases. Furthermore, advanced tailored treatment strategies in AS, one of the most aggressive type of sarcoma, rely on identifying genes and proteins involved in malignant angiogenesis.

Unusual myoid, perivascular, and postradiation lesions, with emphasis on atypical vascular lesion, postradiation cutaneous angiosarcoma, myoepithelial tumors, myopericytoma, and perivascular epithelioid cell tumor

In recent years, a number of new soft tissue tumor entities have been described that occur in the skin only, or that also occur in other sites but form clinically and pathologically distinct subsets when arising in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These include a variety of mesenchymal lineages and have variable malignant potential, although superficial malignant soft tissue tumors generally have a more favorable outcome than their more deeply located counterparts. This article reviews the clinical and pathologic features and differential diagnoses of atypical vascular lesion, postradiation cutaneous angiosarcoma, myoepithelioma, myopericytoma, and perivascular epithelioid cell tumor.

Thalidomide combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in angiosarcoma of the breast with complete pathologic response: case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare malignancy.

CASE REPORT

We report on a 41-year-old female patient who initially presented with locally advanced disease. Core biopsy showed angiosarcoma of the breast, grade 1, CD31-positive. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy based on cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel, given concurrently with thalidomide. After treatment completion, the patient underwent radical mastectomy. Pathologic complete response in the breast and axillary lymph nodes was achieved. The patient has no evidence of disease recurrence 6 months after her initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Anti-angiogenic therapy may be considered as part of the management of primary angiosarcoma of the breast.

Breast angiosarcoma secondary to phyllodes tumour

Angiosarcomas are rare malignant tumours that arise from endothelial cells lining vascular channels, representing 0.04% of malignant neoplasms of the breast. Breast angiosarcomas (BAs) were first described by Schmidt in 1887, and may be primary or secondary to the pre-existing conditions. Primary BAs are more common in young women and present as a palpable mass. Secondary BAs arise in older patients, frequently 5-6&emsp14;years after radiotherapy, and present as a rash.The authors describe the case of an 83-year-old woman with no history of thoracic radiotherapy or surgery. She had been observed for a breast nodule where biopsy revealed phyllodes tumour. The patient refused surgery and returned 2&emsp14;years later because of an impressive increase in tumour volume and skin ulceration. She underwent mastectomy with local skin flaps. Histopathological result revealed high-grade angiosarcoma of 15×12&emsp14;cm. There was follow-up without evidence of recurrence, after radiotherapy.

Management of intestinal complications in patients with pelvic radiation disease

Gastrointestinal toxicity after radiotherapy for pelvic cancer is a major complication-the most commonly reported symptoms include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence, which substantially impair patients' quality of life. Management of these symptoms can be a challenge, although available treatment strategies generally are ignored or underused. Radiation-induced symptoms have multiple mechanisms of pathogenesis; the first step for the correct management is to identify the mechanism that is causing the symptoms. Optimal management requires close liaisons among physicians, gastroenterologists with specialist interests, radiotherapists, oncologists, dieticians, nurses, and surgeons. Patients should be reassured that treatment options (medical, endoscopic, and surgical) exist and are in most cases successful if patients are referred to experts in pelvic radiation disease. However, although new therapeutic approaches are not yet always supported by high-quality trials, research projects are underway to improve management of patients. Clinicians should focus on using proven treatments correctly and avoiding misuse.