[CANCER RESEARCH54, 3986-3987, August 1, 1994)
Advances in Brief
Cytogenetic Characterization of Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors
(Nodular Tenosynovitis)'
Paola Dal Cm, Raf Sciot, Ignace Samson, Luc De Smet, Ivo De Wever, Boudewijn Van Damme, and
Herman Van Den Berghe2
The Centerfor Human Genetics [P. D. C., H. V. D. B.], and Departments ofPathology (R. S., B. V. D.], Orthopedic Surgery [I. S., L D. S.], and Oncologic Surgery [I. D. W.],
University ofLeuven@Herestraat 49, 3000Leuven, Belgium
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Fig. 1. Localized form of tenosynovial giant cell tumor characterized by roundeë@
mononuclear cells (arrowhead) intermingled with osteoclast-like giant cells (large or
row) and lymphocytes (small arrows).
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Abstract
Chromosome investigation in six localized forms of tenosynovial giant
cell tumors, also known as nodular tenosynovitis, revealed an identical
translocationbetweenchromosomes1and2, t(1;2)(pll;q35-.36)inthree
tumors, a variant translocation t(1;5)(pll;q22) in a fourth case, and a
t(2;16)(q33;q24) in a fifth case. One case showed a normal karyotype.
Although morphologically rather uniform, these benign tumors appear to
be cytogenetically heterogeneous, but the chromosome changes seem to
clusterin 2 regions,ipli and 16q24.
Introduction
TGCF3 are the most common tumors of synovial tissue and have
been divided into localized and diffuse forms, depending on their
growth characteristics (1). The localized type, often referred to as
nodular tenosynovitis, primarily affects the fingers and arises from the
synovium of the tendon sheath or interphalangealjoint. It is a common
lesion that may occur at any age but usually appears in young and
middle-aged persons, more frequently in women than in men. The
lesion develops gradually over a long period, often retains the same
size for several years and has a preferential location on the flexor
surface. TOCTs are benign lesions that, nonetheless, possess a capac
ity for local recurrence. Their etiology is still controversial (1).
Cytogenetic investigations in TGCTs are scarce. Abnormal karyo
types have been reported in two cases of the localized type TOO' (2).
The same investigators also reported cytogenetic findings in pig
mented villonodular synovitis, the diffuse form ofTGCT (3, 4). Albeit
histologically similar to the localized form, pigmented villonodular
synovitis is rather uncommon and usually appears as a poorly con
fined soft tissue mass in areas adjacent to large weight-bearing joints
(1).
In this report, we describe the finding of a consistently occurring
chromosome abnormality, t(1;2)(pll;q35—36), in three nodular teno
synovitis tumors and a variant translocation, t(1;5)(pll;q22), in a
fourth tumor. Our fmdings and the data from the literature strongly
suggest the involvement of region lpl 1—p13in the localized and
diffuse forms of TGCF.
Materials and Methods
For each tumor, a sample was obtained at the time of surgery and
processed for short-term culturing and cytogenetic analysis, according to
proceduresdescribed previously (5, 6). Partof the same sample was fixed
Received 6/6/94; accepted 6/15/94.
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1 This text presents research results of the Belgian Program on Interuniversity Poles of
Attraction initiated by the Belgian State, Prime Minister's Office, Science Policy Pro
gramming.The scientific responsibilityis assumedby its authors.
2 To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.
3 The abbreviation used is: TGCF, tenosynovial giant cell tumors.
4fl H
Fig. 2. 0-banded partial karyotype showing an identical translocation between chro
mosomes 1 and 2, t(1;2)(jil 1;q35—36),in cases 1, 2, and 3 and a variant translocation,
t(1;5)(jill;q22), in case 4.
3986
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