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Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
Published on: April 7, 2017
Matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in splenic angiosarcoma metastasizing to the serous membrane
Tamotsu Takeuchi1, Shinji Iwasaki, Junichi Miyazaki
1Department of Pathology, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan. takeutit08@gmail.com
Abstract:
Angiosarcoma involving the serous membrane may mimic mesothelioma; therefore, the term "pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma" has been suggested for this entity. However, the pathogenesis of pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma remains unclear. Here, we report an autopsy case of splenic angiosarcoma, which systemically metastasized to the serous membrane of both the peritoneum and pleura, closely resembling a mesothelioma. The spindle-shaped tumor cells exhibited marked invasion of the lymphatic vessels and invaded the serous membrane causing thickening of the fibrous tissues like desmoplastic mesothelioma. In the present case, immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor expressed not only the endothelial cell markers, such as CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3, and podoplanin (D2-40), but also matrix metalloproteinase-1 (also known as collagenase-1), which is known to increase the invasiveness of mesothelioma cells. MMP-1 expression was not observed in the other cases of angiosarcoma, examined. This tumor might systemically metastasize to the serous membrane via the lymphatic route and might generate the fibrous stroma aided by the matrix metalloproteinase-1.
Insights
Pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma, a rare splenic angiosarcoma, can mimic mesothelioma. This case suggests lymphatic metastasis and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression contribute to its desmoplastic presentation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Angiosarcoma can involve serous membranes, presenting a diagnostic challenge by mimicking mesothelioma.
- The term "pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma" has been proposed for this entity, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Observation:
- An autopsy case of splenic angiosarcoma with widespread metastasis to the peritoneum and pleura is presented.
- The tumor cells displayed spindle morphology and significant invasion of lymphatic vessels, leading to serous membrane thickening resembling desmoplastic mesothelioma.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of endothelial markers (CD31, VEGFR3, D2-40) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the metastatic tumor cells.
- MMP-1 expression, not found in other angiosarcoma cases, was noted in this pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that splenic angiosarcoma can metastasize systemically to serous membranes via lymphatic routes.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-1 may play a role in the desmoplastic stromal reaction observed in pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma, aiding its invasive potential.
