Primary bone sarcoma with BCOR internal tandem duplication

Virchows Arch. 2020 Jun;476(6):915-920. doi: 10.1007/s00428-019-02729-z. Epub 2020 Jan 3.

Abstract

BCOR internal tandem duplications (ITDs) and rearrangements are implicated in the oncogenesis of a subset of undifferentiated sarcomas. To date, BCOR ITD sarcomas have been exclusively found in non-appendicular infantile soft tissues, whereas BCOR-rearranged sarcomas occur in both bones and soft tissues affecting a wider patient age range. Little is known about patient outcome in BCOR ITD sarcomas. We present a BCOR-expressing, primary bone, undifferentiated sarcoma case involving an adolescent male's left tibia that, unexpectedly, harbored a BCOR ITD instead of a BCOR rearrangement. Furthermore, the patient achieved a partial histologic response after receiving a Ewing sarcoma chemotherapy regimen. Our case expands the clinical spectrum of BCOR ITD sarcomas and suggests that childhood and adult BCOR-expressing sarcomas with an undifferentiated histology should be considered for both BCOR rearrangement and ITD screening. Accurate BCOR mutation identification in undifferentiated sarcomas is essential to define their clinical spectrum and to develop effective management strategies.

Keywords: BCOR internal tandem duplication; Ewing-like sarcoma; Primitive sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Bone Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Gene Duplication
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Sarcoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcoma / drug therapy
  • Sarcoma / genetics*
  • Sarcoma / pathology
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / pathology

Substances

  • BCOR protein, human
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins