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

Mod Pathol. 2004 Jan;17(1):104-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.modpathol.3800031.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Aromatase / analysis*
  • Aromatase / immunology
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Patient Selection
  • Prognosis
  • Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal / drug therapy
  • Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal / enzymology*
  • Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Aromatase