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Isolation and Characterization of Tumor-initiating Cells from Sarcoma Patient-derived Xenografts
Published on: June 13, 2019
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Molecular Characterization of Biphasic Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma
Farhan Hassan1, Theresa Boyle2, Justin Palma3
1Kansas City (UMKC) College of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
Summary
This study details a rare biphasic follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) with unique molecular features. The findings clarify the clonal origin of biphasic FDCS, aiding in diagnosis and understanding this rare cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare extranodal malignancy with poorly understood pathogenesis.
- FDCS typically presents with spindled tumor cells; epithelioid morphology is uncommon.
- Biphasic FDCS, with both spindled and epithelioid components, is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a rare case of biphasic follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS).
- To perform detailed immunophenotypic and molecular characterization of the biphasic FDCS.
- To elucidate the clonal origin and molecular alterations in biphasic FDCS.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination with H&E staining.
- Immunohistochemical analysis for a panel of markers including CD21, CD23, CD35, EMA, and D2-40.
- Next-generation sequencing and RNA targeted expression panel for molecular profiling.
Main Results:
- The tumor exhibited two distinct neoplastic populations: spindled cells positive for FDC markers and epithelioid cells negative for most FDC markers.
- Molecular studies confirmed clonal identity between the two components, ruling out a collision tumor.
- Significant upregulation of PDGFRB expression was observed in both tumor components.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first molecular characterization of biphasic FDCS.
- The findings highlight the importance of molecular analysis in diagnosing rare tumors and understanding their biology.
- The identified molecular alterations, particularly PDGFRB upregulation, may offer potential therapeutic targets.
