Immunohistochemical Markers for Schwannomas, Neurofibromas and Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors—What Can the Recent Literature Tell Us?

Abstract

Introduction Schwannomas and neurofibromas are the two most common benign neoplasms of the peripheral nerve sheath, and although they are generally easy to distinguish, in some cases, they can closely resemble one another. Furthermore, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), another example of peripheral nerve sheath neoplasm, may likewise constitute, due to their morphology and lack of specific immunohistochemical markers, a challenging diagnostic.

Objective To bring attention to new and promising biomarkers for schwannomas, neurofibromas and MPNSTs and to outline, based on the recent literature, a immunohistochemical profile for each neoplasm at hand, as well as to emphasize the need for further studies that could help us understand their diagnostic potential and disrupt our dependence of limited and nonspecific biomarkers.

Methods An overview of the recent literature published in English on both the classical promising immunohistochemical markers of schwannomas, neurofibromas and MPNSTs was performed. We discarded case reports.

Conclusions There is still a lack of specific biomarkers for peripheral nerve tumors. However, plenty of new immunohistochemical markers have been coming to light with presumed higher specificity and more diverse helpful uses than the classical ones. For example, Sox10 is a good biomarker for differentiating schwannomas and neurofibromas from sarcomas, calretinin schwannomas from neurofibromas, TLE1 and HMGA2 MPNSTs from sarcomas, and nestin, EGFR, p16 and K_i-67 MPNSTs from different types of schwannomas and neurofibromas. There is still need for further studies; however, the potential of some of these promising markers, among others, should not be disregarded.

Resumo

Introdução Schwannomas e neurofibromas são as duas neoplasias benignas mais comuns a acometer o tecido nervoso periférico, e apesar de geralmente serem facilmente distinguíveis, em alguns casos, elas podem ser muito semelhantes. Além disso, os tumores malignos da bainha dos nervos periféricos (TMBNPs), outro exemplo de neoplasia da bainha do nervo periférico, podem da mesma forma constituir, pela sua morfologia e falta de marcadores imuno-histoquímicos específicos, um diagnóstico desafiador.

Objetivo Chamar a atenção para novos e promissores biomarcadores para schwannomas, neurofibromas e TMBNPs e delinear, a partir da literatura atual, um perfil imuno-histoquímico para cada neoplasia em questão, além de enfatizar a necessidade de futuros estudos que possam elucidar-nos acerca de seu potencial diagnóstico e, por ventura, romper nossa dependência de biomarcadores inespecíficos e limitados.

Método Foi feita uma revisão da literatura recente incluindo artigos em língua inglesa sobre os marcadores imunohistoquímicos clássicos e os promissores para schwannomas, neurofibromas e TMBNPs. Descartamos relatos de caso.

Conclusão Ainda há uma falta de biomarcadores específicos para as neoplasias acima. Contudo, vários novos marcadores imuno-histoquímicos têm surgido, e com futuros estudos poderemos talvez definir biomarcadores específicos e indispensáveis para os casos desafiadores de neurofibromas, schwannomas e TMBNPs. Por exemplo, o Sox10 é um bom biomarcador para diferenciar schwannomas e neurofibromas de sarcomas; a calretinina é um bom marcador para diferenciar schwannomas de neurofibromas; os biomarcadores TLE1 e HMGA2 podem ajudar a diferenciar TMBNPs de sarcomas, e a nestina, o receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGFR), o gene p16 e a proteína K_i-67 podem diferenciar TMBNPs de diferentes tipos de schwannomas e neurofibromas. Ainda há necessidade de novos estudos; contudo, o potencial de alguns desses marcadores, dentre outros, não deveria ser negligenciado.

Keywords

immunohistochemistry - biomarker - nerve sheath neoplasm(s) - schwannoma - neurofibroma - malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor

Palavras-chave

imuno-histoquímica - biomarcador - tumor(es) do sistema nervoso periférico - schwannoma - neurofibroma - tumor maligno da bainha do nervo

Financial and Material Support

We did not receive any financial and/or material support from any granting organization or specific funding.

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