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Published on: January 17, 2018
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Vasculogenic Mimicry in Clinically Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas: a Histologic Study.
Joseph Di Michele1, Fabio Rotondo2, Kalman Kovacs3
1Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Pathology Oncology Research : POR
|January 14, 2017
Summary
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a tumor perfusion system not involving endothelial cells, was identified in 44.9% of non-functioning pituitary adenomas. This finding suggests a complementary blood supply in these tumors, warranting further investigation into its clinical relevance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes vascular-like channels in tumors, independent of endothelial cells, potentially supplying blood.
- Pituitary adenomas are typically less vascular than normal pituitary tissue, and VM has not been previously described in them.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of vasculogenic mimicry in clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of surgically resected NFPAs using CD34 and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) double staining.
- Identification of VM based on CD34-negative and PAS-positive channels, indicating absence of endothelial lining.
Main Results:
- Vasculogenic mimicry was detected in 22 out of 49 (44.9%) of the studied NFPAs.
- VM was observed in both recurring and non-recurring NFPAs, with variable incidence.
- No association was found between VM presence and gender, tumor size, Ki-67 index, recurrence, or cavernous sinus invasion.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a complementary perfusion system, potentially vasculogenic mimicry, exists in pituitary adenomas.
- The presence of VM may have clinical implications for treatment response and disease progression in NFPAs.
- Further research is needed to confirm VM in pituitary adenomas and clarify its clinical significance.
