Ovarian fibrosarcoma producing multiple cytokines

Abstract

A case of ovarian fibrosarcoma producing multiple cytokines is presented. The tumor occurred in the left ovary of a Japanese woman with epigastralgia, remittent fever, leukocytosis and slight thrombocytosis with moderate increase of mast cells in bone marrow, but lack of hormonal abnormality. The resected tumor of the ovary was well encapsulated and it was composed of spindle-shaped tumor cells and scattered tubules with marked mast cell infiltration. The tumor recurred in the pelvic cavity 14 months later, accompanied by similar signs and symptoms as occurred with the primary tumor. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were elevated. The recurrent tumor showed similar histological findings to those of the primary tumor, except for lack of tubules. Tumor cells revealed a focally positive immunoreaction for vimentin, IL-6 and TNF-alpha and alpha-inhibin. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using total RNA obtained from the recurrent tumor demonstrated mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha and stem cell factor. This is a rare case of ovarian fibrosarcoma producing multiple cytokines, resulting in atypical clinical findings.

Higher serum levels of tumour necrosis factor and its soluble receptors are associated with ovarian tumours

“…This may confirm our results of higher level of TNF in ovarian cyst fluid and the suggested local immune response against cancer cells. However, other studies did not detect TNF in the serum of women with ovarian cancer, in women with non-malignant ovarian cysts or in bioptates of ovarian fibrosarcoma, which indicated that the lower TNF secretion by immune cells might suppress the influence on lymphocyte T proliferation [17, 18]. …”

Sonographic features of primary ovarian fibrosarcoma: a report of two cases

“…Since the definition was established of the histopathological criteria for the diagnosis of fibrosarcoma, an important component of which is a count of ≥ 4 mitotic figures per 10 HPF2, a number of cases of ovarian fibrosarcoma have been reported with a wide heterogeneity in clinical and pathomorphological features (Table 1)2–14…”

Infantile Fibrosarcoma Associated With Urticaria Pigmentosa

“…The role of chemotherapy remains uproven, although preoperative chemotherapy is of bene® t in locally extensive tumors. A previously reported case of ovarian ® brosarcoma in an adult had increased mast cell in® ltration in the tumor and bone marrow with evidence of systemic effects due to production of multiple cytokines including stem cell factor [9]. It is interesting to note that in allergic states, stimulation of mast cells is associated with ® broblast proliferation.…”