Malignant peripheral neuroectodermal tumours of bone other than Askin's neoplasm: characterization of 14 new cases with immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy

Abstract

Peripheral neuroectodermal tumours (PNET) of bone are rare and mimic those seen in soft tissue (peripheral neuroepithelioma of soft tissue). Their differential diagnosis from Ewing's sarcoma (Es) is extremely difficult by optical means. Here we report 14 new cases of PNET of bone (other than Askin's neoplasm) located primarily in the limbs, pelvic girdle and scapula. Clinically and radiologically they displayed Ewing's sarcoma-like features: mean age was 14.4 years, male/female ratio being 3:11. Metastasis was present in 6 cases at diagnosis (5 with bone metastasis). Prognosis was poor; thirteen patients died; only one with a metatarsal located tumour is alive and free of disease. The mean survival rate was 25 months following diagnosis and treatment with radio- and multimodal chemotherapy. Histologically the 14 cases displayed Homer-Wright rosettes and pseudorosette-like structures, as well as a fibrillary background and lobular pattern. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity in a number of neural markers when using paraffin-embedded material: NSE, B-2-microglobuline, HNK-1 (leu-7) and E-36 antibodies. At EM level the cell cytoplasms evidenced dense-core granules with neurosecretion, neurotubules and intermediate filaments like those seen in peripheral neuroepithelioma.