A concept consolidated in recent years is that
tumor growth depends to a great extent on the micro-environment surrounding the
tumor, which has a fundamental role in
tumor progression and in determining the effectiveness of
therapies. Our analysis focuses on
chondrosarcoma, the second primary malignant bone
tumor, resistant to both chemotherapeutic and
radiation therapy. We quantified
hyaluronan, one of the main components of the extracellular matrix, with the aim of comparing its amount in the connective tissue surrounding the
tumor with intra-tumoral tissue and healthy fascia of the same anatomic district, viewed as a health control. We demonstrate that
hyaluronan increased significantly in the peritumoral stroma compared with the healthy fascia, which showed an average amount according to the physical characteristics of body districts by a mean value of 26.9 μg/g. In the peritumoral stroma, the mean
hyaluronan content reached 132.6 μg/g (mean value of 63.2 μg/g). The p-value was less than 0.01, showing a highly significant statistical difference. Surprisingly, no significant differences were detected as a function of age, gender, or
tumor grade. The levels of
hyaluronan were comparable in peritumoral and
tumor tissues, although there were differences depending on the state of
necrosis. In addition, data on the expression of
hyaluronic acid synthetase showed a decrease of about 50% in peritumoral and
tumor tissues, indicating alterations in
hyaluronan turnover and synthesis. This work demonstrates a variation in
hyaluronan contents around the
chondrosarcoma, likely correlated with the aggressiveness and resistance to
chemotherapy of this
tumors. Statement of Clinical Significance: Deeper knowledge about the composition of the peritumoral stroma, rich in extracellular matrix, will enhance better study and understanding of the metastatic potential of
tumors and their prognostic indices. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:503-509, 2019.