Expression of E-cadherin, beta-catenin and topoisomerase IIalpha in leiomyosarcomas

INTRODUCTION: The expression of E-cadherin, beta-catenin and topoisomerase II has been associated with clinical outcome of several cancers including sarcomas. We aimed to evaluate the expression of these markers in leiomyosarcomas (LMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paraffin blocks of 19 primary, nonmetastatic LMS were analysed immunohistochemically for the expression of the above-mentioned markers with a cutoff level for positivity of 20% of cell staining. RESULTS: Expression of E-cadherin was negative in all LMS. Nuclear expression of beta-catenin was also negative in all cases, while positive cytoplasmic beta-catenin expression was observed in approximately half of the patients. The majority of LMS had expression of topoisomerase IIalpha, although only in 10 patients was this expression in more than 20% of tumour cells. From the analysed factors, tumour size was statistically significantly correlated with relapse-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Further evidence with larger series is required in order to determine the implication of these markers in LMS (AU)

Heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in congenital hip disease: comparison of two different prophylactic protocols

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of combined postoperative radiotherapy and indomethacin compared to indomethacin alone for the prevention of heterotopic ossification (HO) in high-risk patients with congenital disease of hip (CDH) undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients received indomethacin alone (Group A), while 44 patients received the combined protocol (Group B). Patients >or=55 years were enrolled in Group B and those younger than 55 years in Group A. Patients were evaluated radiologically for the presence of HO 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: The incidence of HO in Group A was 34.5% (95% confidence interval 22.2-48.6%), while the respective incidence in Group B patients was 27.3% (95% CI 15.0- 42.8%). The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.5). No significant treatment-related side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study evaluating the impact of HO prophylaxis in an immiscible population of patients with secondary arthritis due to CDH undergoing THA. Further future randomised evidence is required in order to ascertain the observed trend towards improved efficacy of the combined protocol for HO development (AU)

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