ASPL-TFE3 translocation in vulvovaginal alveolar soft part sarcoma

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2014 May;33(3):263-7. doi: 10.1097/PGP.0b013e318290407c.

Abstract

Alveolar soft part sarcoma of the vulvovaginal region is limited to only 8 reported vaginal cases and 1 vulvar case in the English literature. The histogenesis of the tumor remains intriguing with postulates favoring a myogenic versus nonmyogenic origin. A reciprocal translocation for ASPL-TFE3 gene fusion, frequently detected in ~90% of cases, combined with TFE3 protein immunoexpression are highly sensitive and specific methods for diagnostic confirmation. The current report describes a unique case of vulvovaginal alveolar soft part sarcoma showing the classic morphologic features with documentation of TFE3 protein expression and the ASPL-TFE3 gene rearrangement. Furthermore, a brief review of the literature of vulvar and vaginal alveolar soft part sarcoma cases with the various treatment modalities is outlined.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics*
  • Sarcoma, Alveolar Soft Part / genetics*
  • Sarcoma, Alveolar Soft Part / pathology
  • Translocation, Genetic
  • Vagina / pathology
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vulva / pathology
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ASPSCR1 protein, human
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • TFE3 protein, human