Aromatase expression in low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas: an immunohistochemical study

Olaf Reich, Reich O, Regauer S, Sigrid Regauer
Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc · 2003 · vol. 17(1) , pp. 104–108 · doi:10.1038/sj.modpathol.3800031 · PMID:14631363 · W2086586101
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This immunohistochemical study investigated aromatase expression in low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas.

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Abstract

Aromatase expression has been described in stromal cells of endometriosis, adenomyosis and endometrial cancer. We analyzed aromatase expression in a series of 23 low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas. Archival formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded material was analyzed with immunohistochemistry. Aromatase expression was evaluated with a monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. A score was calculated based on the percentage of positive tumor cells and the staining intensity. Aromatase was seen in 19 (83%) of 23 tumors with monoclonal antibody and 20 (87%) of 23 tumors with polyclonal antibody. Aromatase expression using the monoclonal antibody was scored as high in five (22%), moderate in nine (39%) and low in five (22%) tumors. Four (17%) low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas did not stain for aromatase. Aromatase expression with the polyclonal antibody was scored as high in seven (31%), moderate in four (17%) and low in nine (39%) tumors. Three (13%) low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas did not stain for aromatase. Little or no aromatase expression tended to correlate with stage I disease, while higher scores were more frequently associated with advanced disease. Our results demonstrate that most low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas express aromatase. The staining pattern, however, is heterogeneous. The high percentage of aromatase positivity in low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas may have implications in the management of these tumors and offer new treatment modalities such as hormonal therapy with aromatase inhibitors.

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MeSH descriptors

Aromatase Endometrial Neoplasms Immunoenzyme Techniques Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal Adult Aged Antibodies, Monoclonal Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal Aromatase Aromatase Aromatase Inhibitors Aromatase Inhibitors Endometrial Neoplasms Endometrial Neoplasms Endometrial Neoplasms Female Humans Middle Aged Neoplasm Staging

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