Immunohistochemical evaluation of giant cell tumors of the jaws using CD34 density analysis

To compare CD34 expression in both aggressive and nonaggressive giant cell lesions of the jaws and identify any associations between tumor vascular density and biologic behavior.

This was a retrospective study of subjects treated for giant cell lesions of the jaws at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1992 to 2006. The primary predictor variable was tumor classification (aggressive or nonaggressive); tumors were considered aggressive if they were greater than 5 cm in size, recurred after treatment, or exhibited 3 of the following: presence of root resorption, tooth displacement, or cortical bone thinning or perforation. Secondary predictor variables, recorded for each patient, were demographic, anatomic, and clinical measures. The outcome variable was the average CD34 staining density of histologic specimens quantified in 2 different areas. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed to identify predictors associated with vascular density.

The study sample was composed of 32 subjects with a mean age of 24.4 +/- 19.77 years (range: 2-83); 23 subjects (71.8%) were female. Of the tumors included, 11 (34.4%) were located in the maxilla, 21 (65.6%) in the mandible. Twenty-six tumors (81.2%) were classified as aggressive; the remainder (18.8%) were nonaggressive. There were no statistically significant differences between subjects with aggressive versus nonaggressive tumors with regard to age, gender, or location. Subjects with aggressive tumors had a significantly higher CD34 staining density (P = .02). None of the secondary predictors was associated with vascular density.

Vascular density of giant cell tumors of the jaws is significantly increased in aggressive tumors.