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Chemotherapy and P-glycoprotein expression in chondrosarcoma
R M Terek1, G K Schwartz, K Devaney
1Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA. RICHARD_TEREK@BROWN.EDU
Summary
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas show poor survival rates with chemotherapy, with a median survival of 12 months. P-glycoprotein expression is common in these tumors, potentially explaining resistance to chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chondrosarcomas are often considered chemotherapy-resistant.
- Dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas represent a challenging subtype with limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reevaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy in dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas.
- To investigate the role of P-glycoprotein expression in chemotherapy resistance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 18 patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas treated with chemotherapy (cisplatin and doxorubicin).
- Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
- Immunostaining for P-glycoprotein expression in 41 cartilage tumors.
Main Results:
- Median survival was 12 months for patients treated with chemotherapy.
- 37 out of 41 (90%) cartilage tumors, including those from the chemotherapy group, expressed P-glycoprotein.
- High-grade chondrosarcoma patients treated with chemotherapy had poor survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy offers limited survival benefit for dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas.
- Widespread P-glycoprotein expression in chondrosarcomas may contribute to their resistance to chemotherapy.
- Further research into overcoming P-glycoprotein-mediated resistance is warranted.