CGH analysis shows genetic similarities and differences in atypical fibroxanthoma and undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma.
BACKGROUND
Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma (UpS) are histologically very similar, if not identical. However, they differ significantly in clinical outcome.


METHODS
We used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to screen 24 AFX and 12 UpS for genomic alterations.


RESULTS
DNA copy number changes were observed in 20/24 AFX and in all UpS. The most frequent alterations occurring with comparable frequency in both tumors were deletions on chromosomes 9p and 13q. We also detected statistically significant differences of genetic alterations between the two tumors concerning deletions on 1q, 3p, 5q, 11p, 11q, gains on 7q, 12q and high level gains on 5p and 11q.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite their very similar histology, AFX and UpS show clear differences in their genetic alterations. This might contribute to the different biological behavior of the two tumors. On the other hand the similarities in genetic alterations on chromosomes 9p and 13q might suggest a common pathogenetic pathway.
Mihic-Probst
Daniela
D
Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland. daniela.mihic@pty.usz.ch
Zhao
Jianming
J
Saremaslani
Parvin
P
Baer
Angela
A
Oehlschlegel
Christian
C
Paredes
Bruno
B
Komminoth
Paul
P
Heitz
Philipp U
PU
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13 / Q000235:genetics; D002899:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 / Q000235:genetics; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D018628:Gene Dosage; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019042:Muscle Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm