Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura: Immunohistochemical analysis and evaluation of prognostic factors after surgical treatment

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) are rare neoplasms with unusual histological and clinical features. Although surgery is the treatment of choice for SFTP, tumor recurrence may occur after complete resection, even in tumors with benign histological features. The aim of the study was to identify the clinical and pathological features of SFTP that are associated with a higher risk of recurrence after surgical treatment. METHODS: From May 1995 to September 2002, 18 patients (10 female, 8 male; mean age 58 years) with SFTP underwent complete surgical treatment at our department. Mean follow-up was 61 months. Mean tumor size was 10 cm. The tumors were pedunculated in 10 patients and sessile in 8. Histological features were benign in 16 patients and malignant in 2. RESULTS: Five-year disease-free survival was 80%. A higher incidence of tumor recurrence was observed when SFTP originated from the parietal pleura, had malignant histological features and a lower expression of progesterone receptors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and pathological characteristics, such as malignant histology, sessile morphology, and a lower expression of progesterone receptors identify SFTP with a higher risk of recurrence after surgery, and which thus require strict follow-up.