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[Extracellular desoxyribonucleic acid in small cell bronchial carcinomas]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|September 13, 1980
Summary
Extracellular DNA deposits, not calcification, are found in small cell lung carcinomas and other tumors. This finding may relate to tumor characteristics like high cellularity and necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Context:
- Small cell anaplastic lung carcinomas (SCALCs) often exhibit hematoxylinophilic material in blood vessel walls.
- This material was previously interpreted as dystrophic calcification.
Purpose:
- To investigate the composition of hematoxylinophilic deposits in SCALCs.
- To determine the specificity and potential causes of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in tumors.
Summary:
- Histochemical analysis revealed that the hematoxylinophilic material in SCALCs is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and histones.
- These extracellular DNA deposits are not exclusive to SCALCs and are also found in other tumors like retinoblastomas.
- The presence of eDNA correlates with high cellularity, high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, and tumor necrosis, independent of tumor size, spread, or treatment.
Impact:
- Challenges the traditional interpretation of these deposits as dystrophic calcification.
- Suggests a potential link between tumor biology and extracellular DNA accumulation.
- Proposes a novel hypothesis of tumor-induced deoxyribonuclease inhibition as a cause for eDNA.