Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Diagnosis, classification, and prognosis.

In conclusion, the group of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors has been redefined in recent years on the basis of cytogenetic, molecular genetic and more precisely defined histopathologic characteristics. Although in the past, many tumors has been called Ewing's sarcoma, currently this diagnosis is limited to tumors which cannot be more specifically classified on the basis of their ultrastructural and immunophenotypic characteristics. Most small round cell tumors previously classified as Ewing's sarcoma are now classified as peripheral PNET. The consistent cytogenetic abnormality in Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral PNET and patterns of neurotransmitter enzymes have supported a common neuroectodermal origin. The precise characterization of soft tissue Ewing's sarcoma is further complicated by the several primitive rhabdomyosarcomas that may exhibit a similar light microscopic appearance. The importance of histopathologic distinction among these various round cell tumors of childhood is well recognized. Furthermore, primitive tumors with overlapping neural and mesenchymal features, known as malignant ectomesenchymoma, are now identified more often than previously. Finally, molecular biologic and cytogenetic differences between peripheral PNET and neuroblastoma have confirmed their clinical and biologic differences, in spite of their morphologic similarities. Molecular genetic and flow cytometric evaluation have contributed to the distinction of groups with prognostic significance and offer possibilities for new clinical trials.