Invasion patterns in brain metastases of solid cancers
Anna S Berghoff1, Orsolya Rajky, Frank Winkler
1Corresponding Author: Matthias Preusser, MD, Department of Medicine I and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Central Nervous System Tumours Unit (CCC-CNS), Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. matthias.preusser@meduniwien.ac.at.
Neuro-Oncology
|October 3, 2013
Summary
Brain metastases exhibit diverse invasion patterns, including well-demarcated, vascular co-option, and diffuse infiltration, not tied to primary tumor type. Integrin expression influences these patterns, potentially guiding clinical decisions for brain metastasis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Brain metastases are typically well-demarcated but can show infiltrative growth.
- Understanding invasion patterns and adhesion molecules is crucial for brain metastasis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate brain metastasis invasion patterns in autopsy cases.
- To evaluate the expression of specific adhesion molecules in relation to invasion patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 97 autopsy specimens from 57 brain metastasis patients with various primary tumors.
- Immunohistochemical evaluation of integrins (αv, β3, αvβ3, αvβ5, αvβ6, αvβ8) and cadherins (E, N).
Main Results:
- Three invasion patterns identified: well-demarcated (51%), vascular co-option (18%), and diffuse infiltration (32%).
- No significant association between invasion pattern and primary tumor type; concordance observed within patients.
- Higher αvβ6 expression in well-demarcated tumors; increased αvβ5 expression in tumors treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.
Conclusions:
- Brain metastasis invasion patterns are not primary tumor-specific and appear influenced by αv integrin expression.
- Findings may aid in clinical decision-making for managing brain metastases.
