Pulmonary metastatic lesion of endolymphatic stromal myosis expresses metastasis-related genes but not invasion-related matrix type metalloproteinase

A case of endolymphatic stromal myosis (ELSM) with multiple metastasis to lungs was studied. A single biopsy specimen from the lung was analyzed for c-erbB-2, CD44E, and autocrine motility factor receptors (AMFR) mRNA expression, all putatively associated with metastasis. Estrogen and progestin receptors (ER, PR) expression were studied by reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. Expression of an invasion-related gene, membrane type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) was also studied. The metastatic lesion showed positive expression of c-erbB-2, CD44E, AMFR, PR and ER expression, whereas no expression of MT-MMP was detected. These results correspond with the present clinical history that is early and multiple lung metastasis but essentially benign in nature and with excellent response to gestagen treatment.