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Biomedical subjects

T Böhling

Publications and source records attributed to T Böhling.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Chondrosarcoma in a family with multiple hereditary exostoses.

Multiple hereditary exostoses is an autosomal dominant skeletal disorder in which there are numerous cartilage-capped excrescences in areas of actively growing bone. The condition is genetically heterogeneous, and at least three genes, ext1, ext2 and ext3 are involved. The reported risk for malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma has been from 0.6% to 2.8%. We have reviewed six generations of a family with 114 living adult members, 46 of them with multiple exostoses. Four have had operations for chondrosarcoma, giving the risk for malignant transformation as 8.3% in this family. Clinical and radiological examination revealed two additional patients with a suspicion of malignancy, but in whom the histological findings were benign. Reported elsewhere in detail, genetic linkage analysis mapped the causative gene to chromosome 11 and molecular studies revealed a guanine-to-thymine transversion in the ext2 gene. Patients with multiple hereditary exostoses carry a relatively high risk of malignant transformation. They should be informed of this possibility and regularly reviewed.

Adolescent↗

Hemangioblastomas of the retina: impact of von Hippel-Lindau disease.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and prognosis of vision in patients with retinal hemangioblastomas (HBs). METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with retinal HBs were treated at Helsinki University Hospital between 1974 and 1998. Detailed neurologic, ophthalmologic, and radiologic examinations; pedigree; mutation analyses; and collection of all relevant clinical, imaging, operative, and autopsy data were performed to identify VHL. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 10 years. No patient was lost to follow-up. There were three patient groups: 1) 11 patients with clinically definite VHL; 2) 10 patients with clinically suspected VHL with more than one retinal HB (5/10) or visceral cysts (5/10), but with no family history, no detected germ-line mutations, and no VHL-related neoplasms; and 3) 15 patients without VHL with a single retinal HB but no other data suggestive of VHL. In the 11 patients with definite VHL, retinal HBs were detected at a median age of 27 years versus 40 years in the 15 non-VHL patients, and 21 of the 22 eyes were affected. Two VHL patients were totally blind at the end of follow-up compared with one legally blind patient with suspected VHL, but none of the non-VHL patients was blind. The clinical appearance of HBs did not differ among the patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of VHL among patients with retinal HBs was 30% to 58% (11-21 of 36). Visual prognosis was more favorable in non-VHL than VHL patients. All patients with retinal HB should undergo thorough VHL exclusion.

Adolescent↗

Clinical correlations of genetic changes by comparative genomic hybridization in Ewing sarcoma and related tumors.

Our previous comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) study of Ewing sarcoma and related tumors showed that DNA sequence copy number increases of 1q21-q22 and of chromosomes 8 and 12 were associated with trends toward poor survival (Armengol et al., Br J Cancer 1997, 75, 1403-1409). These trends were not statistically significant. In the present study, we analyzed 28 primary Ewing sarcomas and related tumors by CGH to study whether these (or other) changes have prognostic value in these tumors. Twenty-one tumors (75%) had changes with a mean of 1.9 changes per tumor. The most frequent aberration was gain of chromosome 8 in 10 tumors (36%). Five tumors (18%) had copy number increases at 1q21-22 and 5 had gain of 7q. Copy number increase of 6p21.1-pter, gain of chromosome 12, and loss of 16q were seen in 11%. Copy number increases of 1q21-q22 and of chromosomes 8 and 12 were associated with trends toward worse outcome, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. A novel finding is the association of copy number increase at 6p with worse distant disease-free (P = 0.04) and overall survival (P = 0.004). To confirm this finding and to see whether copy number increases of 1q21-q22 and of chromosomes 8 and 12 have definite prognostic value, a larger number of cases needs to be studied.

Adolescent↗

DNA sequence copy number increase at 8q: a potential new prognostic marker in high-grade osteosarcoma.

Histologic response to chemotherapy is currently the best prognostic parameter in high-grade osteosarcoma but it can be evaluated only after several weeks of chemotherapy. Thus a prognostic parameter known at the time of diagnosis would be of great clinical benefit. In the present study, we present the results of 31 primary high-grade osteosarcomas analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). CGH allows for genome-wide screening of a tumor by detecting alterations in DNA sequence copy number. The most frequent aberrations were copy number increases at 1q21 in 58% of the tumors and at 8q (8q21.3-q22 in 52% and 8cen-q13 in 45%), followed by copy number increases at 14q24-qter (35%) and Xp11.2-p21 (35%). The most common losses were detected at 6q16 (32%) and 6q21-q22 (32%). Patients with a copy number increase at 8q21.3-q22 and/or at 8cen-q13 had a statistically significant poor distant disease-free survival (p = 0.003) and showed a trend toward short overall survival (p = 0.04). Patients with a copy number increase at 1q21 showed a trend toward short overall survival (p = 0.04). Thus, specific genetic aberrations detected at the time of the diagnosis could be used in prognostic evaluation of high-grade osteosarcoma.

Adolescent↗

Long-term prognosis of haemangioblastoma of the CNS: impact of von Hippel-Lindau disease.

The aim was to assess the frequency of von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) and the long-term prognosis of VHL and non-VHL patients among 110 consecutive patients with haemangioblastoma (HB) of the CNS treated between 1953 and 1993 at one neurosurgical unit. To reveal VHL manifestations we performed a detailed clinical and radiological examination (neuraxis and abdomen) (61/110), VHL-gene mutation analysis (40/110), and collection of all available clinical, imaging, operative and autopsy data from the hospitals involved. All patients were followed-up with a median of 14 years (excluding 14 operative deaths), and no patient was lost to follow-up. Altogether 49 patients died during the follow-up. In the 14 VHL patients (13%), HB(s) of the CNS were detected at a median age of 33 years, retinal HB(s) at 39 years, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at 43 years. The frequency of VHL in patients operated on for HB(s) was 29% before the age of 25 years, 19% between 25 and 45 years, and only 2% after 45 years. HB patients not meeting the VHL criteria had internal organ cysts in 14%. One non-VHL patient (4%) had two adjacent HBs in the same cyst wall. The growth rates of non-VHL and VHL-related HBs were similar as indicated by the median time to recurrence and the proliferation indices (MIB-1). Recurrence of the HB in patients whose primary operation was considered radical developed in four of the 10 VHL patients at a median of 19 years, and in nine of the 74 non-VHL patients at a median of 11 years. The median length of life of all VHL and non-VHL patients was 46 and 63 years, respectively. In VHL, RCC and HBs were equal causes of death.

Adolescent↗

Clinical significance of genetic imbalances revealed by comparative genomic hybridization in chondrosarcomas.

DNA copy number changes were studied by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in 50 chondrosarcoma samples from 45 patients. Mean number of genetic aberrations in primary tumors was 4.8 +/- 1.8. The most frequently gained regions were 20q12-qter (37%), 20q (32%), 8q24.1-qter (27%), 20p (24%), and 14q24-qter (24%). Losses were 5.5 times less frequent than gains and observed mainly at Xcen-q21, 6cen-q22, and 18cen-q11.2 (11% each). Recurrent and metastatic tumors showed a mean of 4.0 +/- 2.2 aberrations per sample. The most frequently gained regions were chromosome 7 (4 cases), 5q14-q32 (4 cases), 6p (3 cases), and 12q (3 cases). Losses of DNA sequences were 3.4 times less frequent than gains. Histological tumor grade was significantly associated with metastasis-free survival (P = .002) and overall survival (P = .003), being the strongest prognostic factor tested. A statistically significant correlation was found between gain at 8q24.1-qter and shorter overall survival (P = .01) but not with local recurrence or metastasis-free survival. Gain at 14q24-qter was associated with a trend to shorter overall survival (P = .05) but neither with an increased risk for local recurrence nor with metastasis-free survival. In a multivariate analysis, only the tumor grade associated with overall survival (P = .02). In a multivariate analysis together with the tumor grade, gain at 8q24.1-qter did not retain its significance (P = .44), indicating that this imbalance is not an independent prognostic factor.

Adult↗

Decreased expression of protectin (CD59) in gut epithelium in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Without adequate protection, the cells of the human body would be susceptible to destruction by the complement system. The main defense against complement lysis is a molecule called protectin (CD59) that is widely distributed in human tissues. Because the complement system has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, we examined the expression of protectin in the colonic epithelium of patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and controls. Colorectal specimens from 6 patients with ulcerative colitis, 8 patients with Crohn's disease, and 4 controls were obtained from surgical resections. Frozen sections of the specimens were immunostained for protectin using the Bric 229 monoclonal antibody. The expression of protectin was found to be decreased in the epithelium of patients with ulcerative colitis. In patients with Crohn's disease, the epithelial expression of protectin was decreased in diseased areas of gut while the expression did not significantly differ from that in controls in macroscopically normal areas. There was no difference in the expression of protectin on vascular endothelium, mononuclear cells, or smooth muscle. The reduction in epithelial expression of protectin in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may render epithelial cells vulnerable to complement lysis and lead to the destruction of gut epithelium as seen typically in these diseases.

Adult↗

Diagnosis and tumor response in osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, according to treatment protocols SSG II, SSG VIII, ISG/SSG I, SSG IV and SSG IX.

114 patients with osteosarcoma in the extremities had been reported to the SSG II trial, 132 to the SSG VIII trial and, until October 1998, 99 to the ISG/SSG I trial. The SSG IV trial included 53 patients and the SSG IX trial 104 patients until October 1998. In the SSG II trial, 19% were good responders (grades III and IV) as compared to 51% in the SSG VIII trial. On reevaluation was the response changed in one forth of the cases in both the SSG II and SSG VIII trials. In 9 and 10 cases (8%), respectively, the reevaluation resulted in a change from "good responder" to "bad responder". In the ISG/SSG I trial, the preliminary results showed a good response in 22% of the cases. In the SSG IV trial, 44% were good responders (grades III and IV), as compared to 54% in the SSG IX trial.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Epithelial expression of glycodelin in biphasic synovial sarcomas.

Glycodelin is a 28 kDa glycoprotein of the lipocalin family that was previously considered to be specific for the reproductive tract. Glycodelin is found in the secretory glandular epithelium of endometrium and in seminal vesicles. Given the cyclic differentiation of normal endometrial epithelium, we studied by immunohistochemistry a possible expression of glycodelin in other tissues displaying stroma-to-epithelium maturation. We report here that 11/11 biphasic synovial sarcomas expressed glycodelin in the cells exhibiting epithelial or glandular differentiation while the sarcomatous spindle cells remained negative. Glycodelin was also found in secreted material in the lumina of the gland-like structures. In only 1 of the 7 monophasic synovial sarcomas studied, focal glycodelin reactivity was seen in some flattened spindle cells. The expression of glycodelin in biphasic synovial sarcoma tissue was further verified by the demonstration of glycodelin mRNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Considering the monoclonal origin of synovial sarcomas, our findings raise the intriguing possibility that activation of expression of the glycodelin gene is involved in the molecular regulation of mesenchyme-to-epithelium differentiation.

Epithelium↗

Prognostic relevance of C-myc gene expression in giant-cell tumor of bone.

Giant-cell tumor is a primary bone tumor, of uncertain origin, with the potential capacity to metastasize. To study the role of c-myc and c-fos oncogene overexpression in the tumorigenesis and metastatic spread of giant-cell tumors, 32 primary tumors were collected; of these, 19 remained disease-free and 13 metastasized to the lung. Samples of lung metastasis from these 13 patients were also available for study. The expression of c-myc and c-fos mRNA was studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and by in situ hybridization. The expression of protein was studied by Western blot analysis and by immunohistochemistry. C-myc mRNA was overexpressed in 12 (38%) of the 32 primary tumors. Thirteen primary tumors metastasized to the lung; in nine (69%) of these, c-myc mRNA was overexpressed. The c-myc protein was overexpressed in seven (54%) of the 13 tumors that metastasized to the lung. C-fos was overexpressed in only one lung metastasis. A strong correlation between the overexpression of c-myc, and the occurrence of metastases was found: thus, c-myc seems a powerful prognosticator in giant-cell tumor. C-myc was overexpressed both in giant cells and in mononuclear cells, suggesting that both cell types are involved in the progression of this tumor.

Adolescent↗

Adhesion molecules in high-grade soft tissue sarcomas: correlation to clinical outcome.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) forms a framework for cell adhesion, but it also regulates growth and differentiation. Normal and malignant cells interact with the ECM via specific receptors, the integrins. To explore the mechanisms of growth and spread in soft tissue sarcomas the expression of the major ECM molecules and their corresponding integrin receptors were studied by immunohistochemistry in high-grade soft tissue sarcomas: malignant fibrous histiocytoma (20 cases), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (17 cases) and synovial sarcoma (21 cases). The expression pattern was compared with cell proliferation and clinical outcome. Integrins were found to be expressed according to histological pattern. In synovial sarcomas, the epithelial component showed a high alpha 2 but negative or minimal detection of alpha 5 expression, while a weak alpha 2 expression and a moderate alpha 5 expression were found in the spindle cell component. No alpha 2 expression was detected in malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and minimal alpha 5 expression was detected in malignant schwannoma. The alpha 6 expression levels were positively correlated with the occurrence of metastases in all types of sarcomas studied. The expression of ECM molecules was downregulated and irregular in most tumours. In conclusion, the divergent integrin expression pattern could be useful in the diagnosis and classification of soft tissue sarcomas. Furthermore, since high laminin receptor expression correlates with occurrence of metastases, it could become a useful prognostic marker.

Disease-Free Survival↗

Osteosarcoma of the bones of the foot--an easily misdiagnosed malignant tumor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of osteosarcoma involving the foot and determine the clinical outcome of affected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of osteosarcoma encountered between 1911 and 1992 at the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute. In particular, we analyzed whether common clinical, radiographic, or histologic features could lead to a correct diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the foot. RESULTS: The bones of the foot were the primary site of osteosarcomas in 12 cases--0.6% of the entire series of such tumors at our institution during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 33 years. Initial symptoms were usually pain and swelling. Late diagnosis was common; the mean time interval between the first symptoms and diagnosis was 28 months. Misdiagnoses occurred in 6 of the 12 cases (50%): osteoblastoma, chondroblastoma, chondrosarcoma, osteoid osteoma, desmoid fibroma, and osteomyelitis were, respectively, the initial diagnoses. Histologically, 5 of the 12 tumors (42%) were low-grade lesions. Four of the seven patients with a high-grade tumor died of metastatic disease after a mean survival of 50 months. Eight patients are alive with no evidence of disease after a mean follow-up of 162 months. CONCLUSION: When a painful swelling in a bone of the foot is observed, even if numerous benign conditions (such as fractures, infections, or benign bone tumors) are far more likely to occur, osteosarcoma must be ruled out to avoid delays in the treatment. Osteosarcomas of the foot may easily be misdiagnosed, especially because they almost always occur in adults, in contrast to osteosarcomas in general. High-grade tumors of the foot are as aggressive as other osteosarcomas and should be managed accordingly--with use of a safe-margins surgical procedure and chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Comparative genomic hybridization of low-grade central osteosarcoma.

Very little is known concerning the cytogenetic and molecular genetic changes of low-grade central osteosarcoma, a rare form of osteosarcoma. In the present study, we used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to screen for DNA sequence copy number aberrations in 10 samples from 6 patients: 7 typical low-grade central osteosarcomas, one low-grade (Grade II) central osteosarcoma, and two high-grade (III and IV) local recurrences of a low-grade central osteosarcoma Nine samples had aberrations. Six typical low-grade central osteosarcoma samples had a single DNA sequence copy number change per tumor. Three samples from more advanced tumors (a Grade II low-grade central osteosarcoma and local recurrences of Grade III and IV) had a mean of five changes per tumor. Recurrent changes affected these minimal common regions: +12q13-q14 (three tumors), +12p (two tumors), and +6p21.1-p21.3 (two tumors). Nine samples were analyzed for CDK4 and MDM2 expression and SAS amplification. One sample with a gain of chromosome 12 had a very strong expression of MDM2, strong expression of CDK4, and amplification of SAS. One sample with a gain of 12q13-q14 had strong expression of CDK4 and MDM2. Strong expression of CDK4 was found in two additional tumors; one had a gain of 12q13-q21, and the other had no changes in chromosome 12 by CGH. No alterations were detected in the CDK4, MDM2, and SAS panel in three other samples with no changes in chromosome 12 by CGH. In conclusion, the low number of DNA sequence copy number alterations reflects the relatively low malignancy of low-grade central osteosarcoma. This simplicity differs from the complex aberrations seen in conventional high-grade osteosarcomas.

Adolescent↗

Lateral and anterior view to tensor fold and supratubal recess.

HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to find suitable methods for basic anatomic evaluation of the supratubal recess and the anterior surface of the tensor fold. BACKGROUND: The current method of superior microdissection via the middle fossa floor provides a good picture of the anatomy and pathology of the epitympanum, but the supratubal recess can be evaluated only after excision of the tensor fold. Postinflammation changes cannot be examined accurately because destruction of the tensor fold necessarily alters the anatomic details. METHODS: Eight temporal bones were studied via a lateral and 14 via an anterior approach, both complemented by the superior microdissection. Data on 51 earlier superior dissections were reevaluated as to the state of the supratubal recess. Histology was documented from eight biopsy specimens and of four serially sectioned temporal bones, two normal and two infected. RESULTS: The lateral route offered a good view to the tensor tendon and lower portion of the tensor fold, but the anterior malleal ligament obstructed the view to the fold's upper portion. The anterior route offered excellent visibility to the anterior pouch, mesotympanum, tensor fold, and the whole supratubal recess. The tensor fold was mostly fixed superiorly to the bony roof with a narrow or broad soft band of composite tissue, infrequently to the transverse crest directly. Inflammatory changes spread from the tympanic isthmus region to the supratubal space over the fold and, if extensive, formed broad inflammatory and scar tissue bands between the fold and the anterior bony wall. CONCLUSIONS: The supratubal recess and the mesotympanum can best be evaluated via the anterior approach, which should be added to the temporal bone microdissection program. It serves well as the starting route, followed by the conventional superior dissection of the epitympanum. The knowledge gained is indispensable in surgery for chronic otitis media for creation of a large common middle ear air space and functioning aeration pathways.

Culture Techniques↗

Recurrent gains of 1q, 8 and 12 in the Ewing family of tumours by comparative genomic hybridization.

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to detect copy number changes of DNA sequences in the Ewing family of tumours (ET). We analysed 20 samples from 17 patients. Fifteen tumours (75%) showed copy number changes. Gains of DNA sequences were much more frequent than losses, the majority of the gains affecting whole chromosomes or whole chromosome arms. Recurrent findings included copy number increases for chromosomes 8 (seven out of 20 samples; 35%), 1q (five samples; 25%) and 12 (five samples; 25%). The minimal common regions of these gains were the whole chromosomes 8 and 12, and 1q21-22. High-level amplifications affected 8q13-24, 1q and 1q21-22, each once. Southern blot analysis of the specimen with high-level amplification at 1q21-22 showed an amplification of FLG and SPRR3, both mapped to this region. All cases with a gain of chromosome 12 simultaneously showed a gain of chromosome 8. Comparison of CGH findings with cytogenetic analysis of the same tumours and previous cytogenetic reports of ET showed, in general, concordant results. In conclusion, our findings confirm that secondary changes, which may have prognostic significance in ET, are trisomy 8, trisomy 12 and a gain of DNA sequences in 1q.

Adolescent↗

Chemotherapy-induced tumor necrosis as a prognostic factor in localized Ewing's sarcoma of the extremities.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the prognostic value of the proposed histopathologic method to evaluate the response of the primary tumor to preoperative chemotherapy in Ewing's sarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The response to chemotherapy was evaluated from the specimens of 118 Ewing's sarcoma patients, who were preoperatively treated by chemotherapy alone. Responses were graded I to III (macroscopic viable tumor, microscopic viable tumor, and no viable tumor cells, respectively). Follow-up data were available for all patients, with a mean follow-up duration of 86 months (range, 30 to 158). RESULTS: A statistically highly significant difference was observed in outcome among the three groups of patients. For patients with total necrosis (grade III response), the estimated 5-year disease-free survival rate was 95%, in contrast to 68% for grade II responders and 34% for grade III responders (P < .0001). This difference was also confirmed when any single group was compared with the other groups. Among the parameters tested, patient age and the size of tumor had some prognostic value. CONCLUSION: The proposed histopathologic grading, to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on the primary tumor, had the strongest correlation to clinical outcome. This method could therefore be used to identify patients with a high risk of recurrent disease. These patients could be randomized to receive alternative postoperative treatments to investigate whether more aggressive therapies will improve outcome.

Adolescent↗