Molecular targeting of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A new approach to a surgical disease

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low-grade malignancy of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that only rarely forms distant metastases. More than 90% of cases are associated with a chromosomal translocation involving the COL1A1 gene on chromosome 17 and the platelet-derived growth factor B gene on chromosome 22. Management of this disease is primarily surgical with excellent rates of local control obtained using either wide local excision or Mohs micrographic surgery. Data have recently shown that inhibiting platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) with imatinib can induce high rates of clinical response in patients with unresectable or metastatic DFSP. These data have led t..