Platelet-derived growth factor-alpha receptor expression supports the growth of conventional chondrosarcoma and is associated with adverse outcome.

Abstract

Bone cells are important targets of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) because they stimulate proliferation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes. In this study we wanted to determine the expression of PDGF-AA and PDGF-alpha receptor in conventional chondrosarcomas and to compare the results with those obtained from benign enchondromas and non-neoplastic cartilage tissue. Sixty-seven chondrosarcomas, 20 enchondromas, and 5 specimens of healthy cartilage as well as 7 specimens of hypertrophic callus cartilage were immunohistochemically analyzed for the expression of PDGF-AA and PDGF-alpha receptor, respectively. Additionally, the proliferation activity was examined with the MIB-1 antibody. Clinical follow-up data were available from 53 patients. A significant overexpression of receptor and factor was found in chondrosarcomas as compared with enchondromas (PDGF-AA p = 0.013, PDGF-alpha receptor p <0.001). MIB-1 values were significantly higher in chondrosarcomas (p <0.001). In healthy joint cartilage no staining was detectable, whereas reactive cartilage of callus formation showed high expression levels. PDGF-alpha receptor expression was significantly higher in grade 3 chondrosarcomas compared with grade 2 (p = 0.022) and grade 1 tumors (p = 0.002). Survival analysis documented a significantly shorter overall survival for patients with high PDGF-alpha receptor expression (p = 0.0172, log-rank test). Because PDGF-alpha receptor expression positively correlates with the aggressiveness of chondrosarcoma, it may be considered as a possible target for novel therapeutic strategies.

• Authors: I Sulzbacher, P Birner, K Trieb, M Mühlbauer, S Lang, A Chott
• Journal: The American journal of surgical pathology (Am J Surg Pathol) Vol. 25 Issue 12 Pg. 1520-7 (Dec 2001) ISSN: 0147-5185 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11717542 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Nuclear
• Ki-67 Antigen
• Nuclear Proteins
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
• platelet-derived growth factor A
• Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antigens, Nuclear
• Bone Neoplasms (metabolism, mortality, pathology)
• Bony Callus (metabolism)
• Cartilage (metabolism)
• Chondroma (metabolism, pathology)
• Chondrosarcoma (metabolism, mortality, secondary)
• Female
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Ki-67 Antigen
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nuclear Proteins (analysis)
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (metabolism)
• Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha (metabolism)
• Survival Rate