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Pediatrics96 papers

Malignant histiocytosis

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Malignant histiocytosis encompasses a spectrum of disorders characterized by abnormal proliferation and infiltration of histiocytes, including Langerhans cell histiocytosis and non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses, leading to diverse clinical manifestations across multiple organ systems 47.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Features: Generalized nodular eruptions, constitutional symptoms, and organ-specific dysfunction 79.
  • Histopathology: Infiltration of histiocytes with characteristic nuclear atypia and presence of Langerhans cell granules in some cases 79.
  • Immunohistochemistry: Expression of S-100 protein, absence of CD1, and other specific markers help differentiate subtypes 67.
  • Molecular Testing: Cell-free DNA testing for genetic mutations can aid in diagnosis, particularly useful in avoiding invasive biopsies 1.
  • Flow Cytometry: Analysis of DNA content can reveal aneuploidy, supporting the diagnosis 7.
  • Management

  • Chemotherapy: Various chemotherapeutic agents have shown efficacy in improving outcomes for pediatric patients; specific drug combinations are used but optimal regimens remain under investigation 5.
  • Targeted Therapy: Utilization of targeted agents based on actionable genetic mutations is emerging 1.
  • Local Treatments: Intraarterial chemotherapy delivery for more targeted treatment approaches 1.
  • Topical Therapy: Partial responses noted with topical agents like mechlorethamine hydrochloride for cutaneous manifestations 7.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Chemotherapy regimens show promise but require careful monitoring due to potential long-term effects 5.
  • Comorbidities: Presence of conditions like hypocomplementemia and monoclonal proteins may influence disease behavior and management 3.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize cell-free DNA testing for genetic mutations to aid in diagnosis and avoid invasive procedures (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Employ targeted therapies based on identified genetic mutations for more precise treatment (Evidence: Weak 1).
  • Consider intraarterial chemotherapy for localized disease to enhance efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity (Evidence: Expert opinion).
  • References

    1 Francis JH. Histiocytosis Advancements Parallel Ophthalmic Innovations: The LXXXI Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture. American journal of ophthalmology 2025. link 2 Woehrer A, Kovacs GG. Clinical Neuropathology image 1-2015: Crystal-storing histiocytosis of the central nervous system. Clinical neuropathology 2015. link 3 Winkelmann RK, McEvoy MT. Diffuse-plane normolipaemic xanthoma with aortic-valve xanthoma. Clinical and experimental dermatology 1991. link 4 Raimer SS, Hollabaugh E. Histiocytic syndromes. Dermatologic clinics 1989. link 5 Starling KA. Chemotherapy of histiocytosis-X. Hematology/oncology clinics of North America 1987. link 6 Bonetti F, Chilosi M, Menestrina F, Scarpa A, Pelicci PG, Amorosi E et al.. Immunohistological analysis of Rosai-Dorfman histiocytosis. A disease of S-100 + CD1-histiocytes. Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological anatomy and histopathology 1987. link 7 Goldberg NS, Bauer K, Rosen ST, Caro WA, Marder RJ, Zugerman C et al.. Histiocytosis X. Flow cytometric DNA-content and immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis. Archives of dermatology 1986. link 8 Gianotti F, Caputo R. Histiocytic syndromes: a review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1985. link70181-8) 9 Roper SS, Spraker MK. Cutaneous histiocytosis syndromes. Pediatric dermatology 1985. link 10 Nagao S, Inaba S, Iijima S. Langerhans cells at the sites of vaccinia virus inoculation. Archives for dermatological research = Archiv fur dermatologische Forschung 1976. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
    3. [3]
      Diffuse-plane normolipaemic xanthoma with aortic-valve xanthoma.Winkelmann RK, McEvoy MT Clinical and experimental dermatology (1991)
    4. [4]
      Histiocytic syndromes.Raimer SS, Hollabaugh E Dermatologic clinics (1989)
    5. [5]
      Chemotherapy of histiocytosis-X.Starling KA Hematology/oncology clinics of North America (1987)
    6. [6]
      Immunohistological analysis of Rosai-Dorfman histiocytosis. A disease of S-100 + CD1-histiocytes.Bonetti F, Chilosi M, Menestrina F, Scarpa A, Pelicci PG, Amorosi E et al. Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological anatomy and histopathology (1987)
    7. [7]
      Histiocytosis X. Flow cytometric DNA-content and immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.Goldberg NS, Bauer K, Rosen ST, Caro WA, Marder RJ, Zugerman C et al. Archives of dermatology (1986)
    8. [8]
      Histiocytic syndromes: a review.Gianotti F, Caputo R Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1985)
    9. [9]
      Cutaneous histiocytosis syndromes.Roper SS, Spraker MK Pediatric dermatology (1985)
    10. [10]
      Langerhans cells at the sites of vaccinia virus inoculation.Nagao S, Inaba S, Iijima S Archives for dermatological research = Archiv fur dermatologische Forschung (1976)

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