title: MFH classification: differentiating undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in the 21st Century.
abstract: The essence and origin of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) have been debated for now close to five decades. Originally characterized as a morphologically unique soft-tissue sarcoma subtype of unclear etiology in 1963, with a following 15 years of research only to conclude that "the issue of histogenesis [of MFH] is largely unresolvable"; it is "now regarded as synonymous with [high grade] undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and essentially represents a diagnosis of exclusion". Yet despite this apparent lack of progress, the first decade of the 21st century has seen some significant progress in terms of defining the origins of MFH. Perhaps more importantly these origins might also pave the way for novel therapies. This manuscript will highlight MFH's troubled history, discuss recent advances, and comment as to what the coming years may promise and what further needs to be done to make sure that progress continues.
authors: Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. IM17@columbia.edu
authors: Igor
authors: I
authors: Matushansky
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Charytonowicz
authors: Joslyn
authors: J
authors: Mills
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Siddiqi
authors: Todd
authors: T
authors: Hricik
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Cordon-Cardo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D051677:Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000266:history; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology