Synovial sarcoma actually starts with genetic changes that affect muscle cells
- From: J <nexsw@nvalid,anon>
- Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2007 04:14:45 -0400
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/09/AR2007040900527.html>
Rare Joint Cancer Yields Its Secrets
By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter
Monday, April 9, 2007; 12:00 AM
MONDAY, April 9 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have found that synovial
sarcoma, a rare cancer that affects the joints, actually starts with
genetic changes that affect muscle cells.
This finding may help scientists develop treatments for this aggressive
cancer, which tends to develop in children and young adults.
"Sarcomas are rare cancers, but they are extremely aggressive and do not
react to chemotherapy, radiation or surgery," noted lead researcher Mario
R. Capecchi, a professor of biology and human genetics at the University
of Utah.
Capecchi noted that the first step is discovering the biology of the
malignancy. "Then, you can design a therapy that is specific to this
cancer," he said.
His team reported its findings in the April issue of the journalCell.
Synovial sarcoma accounts for between 5 percent and 10 percent of the
approximately 10,000 new soft tissue sarcomas reported each year. Synovial
sarcoma occurs mostly in young adults, with a median age of 26.5. About 30
percent of patients with these tumors are younger than 20, according to
the U.S. National Caner Institute.
Capecchi and colleagues discovered the genetic components that lead to
synovial sarcoma while working with mice. When these gene products were
put into the mice, the animals went on to develop synovial sarcomas.
Using this method, Capecchi's team was able to produce a model of synovial
sarcoma in mice that is genetically similar to the disease as it occurs in
humans. "In many respects, these tumors are indistinguishable from human
tumors," Capecchi said.
In addition, they found that the cancer starts in muscle cells, not in
cartilage or bone cells as had been thought.
These gene products could now be a target for therapy, Capecchi said.
"Once you have a model of the cancer, then you can use it as a platform to
generate therapies," he said.
One expert said the finding is important.
"Synovial sarcoma is a rare cancer, but one that is highly lethal," said
Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, the deputy chief medical officer of the American
Cancer Society. "We don't know a whole lot about the causes of synovial
sarcoma," he added.
There are people who are concerned that we are not learning enough about
rare cancers, Lichtenfeld added. "This finding is not a breakthrough in
the treatment of the disease, but it is an important advance in
understanding the disease," he said.
When one understands the disease, one can understand what the targets are
for treating the disease, the expert said.
"Targeted therapies are for targeted diseases," Lichtenfeld said. "This
finding holds out the hope that this might be possible for this cancer."
More information
For more information on synovial sarcoma, visit the U.S. National Cancer
Institute.
SOURCES: Mario R. Capecchi, Ph.D., professor, biology and human genetics,
University of Utah, Salt Lake City; Len Lichtenfeld, M.D., deputy chief
medical officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta; April 2007,Cell
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/TypesofCancer/Sarcomas/default.htm
Synovial Cell Sarcomas
* Usually arise in tissue adjacent to, but not directly from,
joints, especially around joints in the lower limbs
* These tumours do not look like cells of the synovium of the
joint, but are given this name because of this tumour location - usually
near joints
* These tumours, as with other soft tissue sarcomas, can occur
anywhere in the body, even in the heart
* Occasionally may spread to the skin, notably the scalp
* Lymph nodes are involved infrequently
Treatment
* Complete surgical removal of the tumour is the most important
treatment.
* Many high grade, (more rapidly growing) bone tumours are treated
with chemotherapy in addition to surgery.
March 2007 We are currently reviewing and updating these pages. If you
have any questions about your cancer and its treatment, please discuss
with your oncologist or physician.
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