[Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: problems of diagnosis and treatment]

In 2001-2007, Moscow cancer hospital sixty-two examined 77 patients with chondrosarcoma (including consultative cases). The dedifferentiated form of the tumor was confirmed in 10 (13%) cases. Recurrences and metastases were observed in 3 patients. Radical surgery could be performed in 5 patients, including interileoabdominal exarticulation in 4 patients. Immunohistochemical studies provide a way of specifying the nature of one of the tumor components. Ultrastructural data on the components of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma are first presented in the Russian literature. Fine-needle biopsy and trepan-biopsy may give an incorrect guide to choosing treatment policy. The experience in performing combined therapy for this unusual tumor is first presented in the Russian literature and drug pathomorphism has been studied. Radical surgery remains to be the method of choice in treating patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma; however, the capabilities of multidrug therapy and irradiation should not be ignored in this form of the tumor.