Molecular In-Depth Characterization of Chondrosarcoma for Current and Future Targeted Therapies

Chondrosarcoma are rare bone tumors. So far, the treatment of choice is complete resection. In cases that cannot be resected, therapeutic options are limited. Chondrosarcoma are still poorly understood compared to other types of tumors. Characterization of specific molecules and tumor cells of chondrosarcoma will help to develop better therapies in the future. Chondrosarcoma (CHS) are heterogenous, but as a whole, represent the second most common primary malignant bone tumor entity. Although knowledge on tumor biology has grown exponentially during the past few decades, surgical resection remains the gold standard for the treatment of these tumors, while radiation and differentiated chemotherapy do not result in sufficient cancer control. An in-depth molecular characterization of CHS reveals significant differences compared to tumors of epithelial origin. Genetically, CHS are heterogenous, but there is no characteristic mutation defining CHS, and yet, IDH1 and IDH2 mutations are frequent. Hypovascularization, extracellular matrix composition of collagen, proteoglycans, and hyaluronan create a mechanical barrier for tumor suppressive immune cells. Comparatively low proliferation rates, MDR-1 expression and an acidic tumor microenvironment further limit therapeutic options in CHS. Future advances in CHS therapy depend on the further characterization of CHS, especially the tumor immune microenvironment, for improved and better targeted therapies.

Automated summary

Chondrosarcoma is a rare bone tumor that is usually treated by complete resection. When resection is not possible, treatment options are limited. Compared to other types of tumors, chondrosarcoma is still not well understood. Identifying specific molecules and tumor cells of chondrosarcoma will aid in the development of improved therapies in the future.