Oncoplastic Level 2 Mammoplasty for Large DCIS: 5-Year Results.

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic surgery (OPS) allows wider resections with immediate breast reshaping by mammoplasty. This study reviews our experience with level 2 mammoplasties in patients with histology-proven pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). METHOD: From a prospectively maintained database of 392 consecutive oncoplastic level 2 mammoplasties, 68 patients presented with pure DCIS. Involved margin rates and locoregional recurrence rates were calculated, with 76 months (0-166 months) median follow-up. RESULTS: The mean pathological tumor size was 34 mm (median 26 mm, range 2-106 mm). The mean resection weight was 191 g (median 131 g, range 40-1150 g). Margins were clear in 58 cases (85.3%) and involved in 10 cases (14.7%). Margins were involved in 1 out of 54 (1.9%) cases with tumor size under 50 mm and in 9 out of 14 (64.3%) cases with tumor size higher than 50 mm (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, only tumor size > 50 mm [odds ratio (OR) 95.400; p < 0.001] was independently associated with involved margins. Seven patients had mastectomy. The overall breast conservation rate was 89.4%, and 100% for tumors less than 5 cm. There were three local recurrences. The 5-year cumulative incidence for local recurrence was 5.5% (0-11.5%). CONCLUSIONS: OPS is a safe solution for large DCIS up to 50 mm, with an involved margin rate of only 1.9%, and can thus reduce the mastectomy rate in this group. As margin involvement significantly increases for tumors larger than 5 cm, better preoperative localization and/or wider excisions are necessary in this group.

Quality of life after mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is a surgical strategy in breast cancer when breast-conserving surgery is not an option. There is a lack of evidence showing an advantage of mastectomy plus IBR over mastectomy alone on health-related quality of life (QoL). METHODS: A large prospective multicentre survey, STIC-RMI (support of innovative and expensive techniques - immediate breast reconstruction), was undertaken to study the changes in QoL in patients treated by mastectomy with or without IBR. Patients were recruited between 2007 and 2009. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 instruments were used to assess QoL before operation, and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. A propensity score was used to compare QoL between mastectomy alone and mastectomy plus IBR, with limited bias. RESULTS: A total of 595 patients were included from 22 French academic hospitals, of whom 407 (68·4 per cent) underwent IBR. One-year data were available for 71·1 per cent of patients. Factors associated with IBR were age, histological tumour type, palpable nodes and an attempt at breast-conserving surgery. At inclusion, QoL was significantly better in the IBR group (P < 0·001) and there was no significant change in either group during 1 year compared with baseline. Results for the QLQ-BR23 functional dimension varied according to propensity score quartiles; IBR had no influence in the lowest quartile. In the upper quartiles, QoL increased slightly over the year among patients who had IBR, whereas it decreased among those who had mastectomy alone (P = 0·037). Satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome strongly influenced QoL, especially in upper quartiles (P < 0·001). However, an unsatisfactory outcome after IBR was still considered a better condition than simple mastectomy. CONCLUSION: The QoL benefit provided by IBR depends on patients' life status at inclusion; young active women with an in situ tumour are more likely to preserve their QoL after IBR.

[Reconstructed breast burns following black clothes wearing and short sun exposure]. / Brûlures du sein reconstruit après port de vêtements noirs et exposition solaire modérée.

Breast reconstructions are plastic surgeries that female patients, who have undergone mastectomies, are increasingly using. While the morphological results are appreciated by patients themselves as being more and more satisfactory, results in terms of sensitivity remain uncertain and depend on type of reconstruction used. The chest wall skin already desensitized by mastectomy and exposed to radiotherapy presents disturbance of blood supply and innervation, likely responsible for impaired local thermoregulation that can easily lead to thermal burn injuries. Our paper presents a rare ethiopathological burn entity on the reconstructed breast: the association between short sun exposure and wearing black clothes. This aetiology of burns must be known by patients and by plastic surgeons in order to prevent dramatic clinical situations leading up to the loss of the reconstruction.

[Autologous fat grafting to the postmastectomy irradiated chest wall prior to breast implant reconstruction: a series of 68 patients]. / Transfert de tissu adipeux autologue préalable à la reconstruction mammaire par implant après mastectomie et irradiation : à propos d'une série de 68 cas.

INTRODUCTION: After radiotherapy, breast reconstruction with an implant carries a high risk of failure and complication. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that grafting adipose tissue (lipofilling) in an irradiated area enhances skin trophicity. Thus, we have started performing preliminary fat grafting to the irradiated chest wall prior to implant reconstruction in order to limit complications and failure risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were included in this study from 2007 to 2011. All patients had had mastectomy and irradiation for breast cancer. They all had one or more sessions of lipofilling prior to breast implant reconstruction. These patients were prospectively followed up in order to collect the following data: postoperative complications; cosmetic result; local breast cancer recurrences. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included. The mean number of fat grafting sessions was 2.3 (range 1-6). An average volume of 115mL (70-275) was injected each time. The mean volume of breast implants was 300mL (185-400). The mean follow-up was 23months (450). No breast cancer local recurrence was diagnosed during follow-up. Implant explantation was performed in one case (1.47%) The mean cosmetic result was 4.5/5. CONCLUSION: Fat grafting to the irradiated chest wall prior to implant placement might be an alternative to flap reconstruction for patients who are not suitable or who refuse this option.

Oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer based on tumour location and a quadrant-per-quadrant atlas.

BACKGROUND: The majority of published techniques for oncoplastic surgery rely on an inverted-T mammoplasty, independent of tumour location. These techniques, although useful, cannot be adapted to all situations. A quadrant-per-quadrant atlas of mammoplasty techniques for large breast cancers was developed in order to offer breast surgeons a technique dependent on tumour location, which reduces the risk of postoperative complications and delay to adjuvant therapy. METHODS: From 2005 to 2010, a series of eligible women with breast cancer were treated by quadrant-specific oncoplastic techniques. All complications and any delay to adjuvant treatment were recorded prospectively, along with local and distant cancer recurrences. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated using a five-point scale. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were analysed. The median tumour size, after histological examination, was 25 (range 4-90) mm. Twenty-three patients (13.1 per cent) had involved margins. Seventeen of these patients were treated by mastectomy and three had a re-excision. Complications occurred in 13 patients (7.4 per cent), which led to a delay to adjuvant treatment in three (1.7 per cent). After a median follow-up of 49 (range 23-96) months, three patients had developed a local recurrence. The mean score after cosmetic evaluation was 4.6 of 5. CONCLUSION: A quadrant-per-quadrant approach to oncoplastic techniques for breast cancer was developed that tailors the mammoplasty for each tumour location. This panel of techniques should be a useful guide for breast surgeons, and extends the possibilities for breast conservation for large or poorly limited cancers, with a low complication rate and good cosmetic results.

New anatomical classification of the axilla with implications for sentinel node biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The exact anatomical location of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in the axilla has not ascertained clinically, but could be useful both for teaching purposes and to reduce the morbidity of SLN biopsy. The aim of the study was to determine the position of the SLN in the axilla and to demonstrate that this location is not random. METHODS: A consecutive series of 242 patients with stage I breast cancer (T1/T2 N0) or ductal carcinoma in situ who underwent SLN localization by peritumoral injection were included in a prospective study to map the location of the SLN in the axilla. A new anatomical classification of the lower part of the axilla based on the intersection of two anatomical landmarks, the lateral thoracic vein (LTV) and the second intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN), is described. These two constant elements form the basis of four axillary zones (A, B, C and D). RESULTS: In 98.2 per cent of patients the axillary SLN was located medially, alongside the LTV, either below the second ICBN (zone A, 86.8 per cent) or above it (zone B, 11.5 per cent). In only four patients (1.8 per cent) was the SLN located laterally in the axilla. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the site of the tumour in the breast, 98.2 per cent of SLNs were found in the medial part of the axilla, alongside the LTV. This information should help to avoid unnecessary lateral dissections.

[Partial reconstruction after conservative treatment for breast cancer: classification of sequelae and treatment options]. / Séquelles esthétiques du traitement conservateur des cancers du sein: une classification pour les reconstructions après tumorectomie.

Most patients presenting with breast cancer are treated by breast conserving treatment (BCT). Some of these patients present with poor cosmetic results and ask for partial breast reconstruction. These reconstructions following BCT are presenting more frequently to plastic surgeons as a difficult management problem. We have defined and published a classification of the different cosmetic sequelae (CS) after BCT into three types. This classification helps to analyse these complex deformities aggravated by radiotherapy. Furthermore, our classification helps to choose between the different surgical techniques and propose the optimal option for their surgical correction. Our initial publications reported 35 and 85 patients: we have currently operated more than 150 cases of CS after BCT. Type-1 CS are defined by an asymmetry between the two breasts, with no distortion or deformity of the radiated breast. Type-2 CS are those with an obvious breast deformity, that can be corrected with a partial reconstruction of the breast. Type-3 CS are those with such a deformity that only a mastectomy with total reconstruction of the breast can be performed. Most of the patients present with type-2 CS, but are reluctant to undergo what they feel is a major reconstructive procedure: in a initial prospective series of 85 patients operated for CS after BCT, 48 (56.5%) had type-1 CS, 33 patients (38.8%) type-2 CS and four patients (4.7%) type-3 CS. Type-1 patients should be managed essentially by contralateral symmetrizing procedures. One should limit any surgery on the radiated breast, as a mammoplasty or an augmentation is at high risk of complications. Type-2 is the most difficult to manage and requires all the surgical armamentarium of breast reconstructive surgery. The insetting of a myocutaneous flap is often necessary and autologous fat grafting is a promising tool in selected cases. Type-3 CS requires mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a myocutaneous flap. The major development though in the past 10 years has been the development of oncoplastic techniques at the time of the original tumour removal, in order to avoid most of type 2 and type 3 deformities. This paper reaffirms the validity of the Cosmetic Sequelae classification as a simple, practical guide for breast reconstructive surgeons. It discusses the various choices of reconstructive procedures available, the importance of "preventing" these CS and defining the role of the plastic surgeon in the management of these patients.

A prospective randomized study comparing centrifugation and sedimentation for fat grafting in breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Fat grafting is an efficient method to correct large volumetric defects after mastectomy. There is an ongoing debate regarding the best method of processing the harvested fat before fat grafting. This study aimed to introduce a new MRI model and to compare two fat processing techniques measuring the gain in soft tissue thickness after fat grafting to the chest wall. METHODS: Fifty-one mastectomy patients (one double sided), who required delayed implant reconstruction, with poor skin conditions were proposed fat grafting prior to implant reconstruction. At the time of fat grafting, patients were randomly assigned to centrifugation or sedimentation of the aspirated fat. The trial was undertaken in a single-center private practice setting. The gain in soft tissue thickness of the chest wall was measured using an MRI model, with 12 predefined points for measurement. Two MRIs were performed, one prior to fat grafting and one 8 weeks thereafter. The radiologist was blinded to the fat graft processing method used. RESULTS: Seven cases were excluded because they did not complete their second MRI. The analyses were thus based on 44 patients (one double sided). Centrifugation was performed in 21 cases and sedimentation in 24 cases. The mean gain in soft tissue thickness was +7.0 mm in the centrifugation group and +8.8 mm in the sedimentation group (p = .268). The mean operative time was 88 min in the centrifugation group and 78 min in the sedimentation group (p = .11). There were no adverse events for any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a simple and reproducible MRI model to objectively measure and evaluate different fat processing techniques prior to fat grafting. At a median time of 8 weeks after one session of fat grafting, there was no benefit of centrifugation over sedimentation.

Upper outer boundaries of the axillary dissection. Result of the SENTIBRAS protocol: Multicentric protocol using axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer patients requiring axillary dissection.

BACKGROUND: Two thirds of node-positive breast cancer patients have limited pN1 disease and could benefit from a less extensive axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). METHODS: 172 breast cancers patients requiring an ALND were prospectively enrolled in the Sentibras Protocol of Axillary Reverse Mapping (ARM). Radioisotope was injected in the ipsilateral hand the day before surgery. ALND was standard. Removed lymph nodes were classified into non radioactive nodes and radioactive nodes (ARM nodes). Among ARM nodes, nodes located in the upper outer part of the axilla, above the second intercostal brachial nerve and lateral to the lateral thoracic vein were identified as "zone D ARM nodes". The main objective was: feasibility of identification of the zone D ARM nodes. Secondary objectives were: metastatic involvement and lymphedema rate. RESULTS: 100% of patients had ARM nodes identified. The "zone D ARM nodes" were identified in 92% of cases. The rate of metastatic nodes was 60% in the all cohort, 31% in ARM nodes and 9% in zone D ARM nodes. Among those, metastatic rate was 6% in patients undergoing ALND for a positive sentinel node biopsy, 6% in case of primary ALND versus 14% after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.05). After 34 months of median follow up, 27% of interviewed patients had a lymphedema. CONCLUSION: The ARM technique reliably identifies the "zone D ARM nodes". These nodes can also easily be identified using knowledge of axillary anatomy. In selected patients, a selective ALND sparing the zone D ARM nodes could be performed.

Structure and function of Hb Saint-Jacques (alpha 2 beta 2 140 (H18) Ala----Thr): a new high-oxygen-affinity variant with altered bisphosphoglycerate binding.

A low P50 value in a fresh red blood cell suspension was discovered in a polycythemic patient (Hb 19 g X dl-1). Routine acid and alkaline electrophoreses of the hemolysate were identical to normal hemolysate. Isoelectrofocusing (pH gradient 6-8) did not reveal any abnormal band whether performed with the fully liganded or deoxygenated samples. Precise analyses of the oxygen dissociation curves of the propositus' red cells demonstrated a biphasic Hill plot, a normal Bohr effect and low interaction with 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). Studies on the unfractionated hemolysate confirmed these observations and the inhibition of the effect of organic phosphates. Structural studies were carried out on the mixture of beta A + beta X chains and revealed the presence of two beta Tp14 peptides. Sequencing the abnormal beta Tp14 peptide showed the substitution Ala----Thr of the beta 140 (H18) residue. This new variant was named Hb Saint-Jacques. Examination of the three dimensional model of HbAo indicates that the substitution beta 140 (H18) Ala----Thr induces van der Waals interactions with the nearby lysine-82 (EF6) and leucine-81 (EF5) and a displacement of the EF corner of the beta chains. This is likely to change the normal position of the lysine-82 (EF6), a major anionic binding site in the central cavity between the two beta chains. Functional studies confirm the interpretation of a steric hindrance inhibiting the binding of large organic phosphates to Hb Saint-Jacques.

Human papillomavirus genotype as a major determinant of the course of cervical cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the prognosis of invasive cancers of the uterine cervix is related to the type of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with the tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred ninety-seven patients with invasive cervical cancer were prospectively registered from 1986 to 1994. HPV typing was performed on DNA extracted from frozen tumor specimens by means of Southern blot hybridization (SBH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The median follow-up was 38 months. RESULTS: HPV sequences were detected in 246 patients (83%): 150 patients had HPV16, 31 patients had HPV18, and 14 patients had one of the intermediate-oncogenic-risk HPV types (HPV31, 33, 35, 52, 58). In 51 patients, HPV type remained undetermined, and in 51 patients, no viral sequences were found. No significant associations were observed between virologic data and tumor stage or node status. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 100% for patients with intermediate-risk HPV-associated tumors, 58% for patients with HPV16-positive tumors, and 38% for patients with HPV18-positive tumors (P = .02). In multivariate analysis, patients with HPV18-associated tumors had a relative risk (RR) of death 2.4 times greater (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-4.59) than that for patients with HPV16, and 4.4 times greater (95% CI, 3.48-5.32) than that for patients with a tumor associated with a viral type different from HPV16/18. CONCLUSION: The prognosis for invasive cancers of the uterine cervix is dependent on the oncogenic potential of the associated HPV type. HPV typing may provide a prognostic indicator for individual patients and is of potential use in defining specific therapies against HPV-harboring tumor cells.

Familial invasive breast cancers: worse outcome related to BRCA1 mutations.

PURPOSE: Although all studies confirm that BRCA1 tumors are highly proliferative and poorly differentiated, their outcomes remain controversial. We propose to examine, through a cohort study, the pathologic characteristics, overall survival, local recurrence, and metastasis-free intervals of 40 patients with BRCA1 breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 183 patients with invasive breast cancer, treated at the Institut Curie and presenting with a familial history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, were tested for BRCA1 germ-line mutation. Tumor characteristics and clinical events were extracted from our prospectively registered database. RESULTS: Forty BRCA1 mutations were found among the 183 patients (22%). Median follow-up was 58 months. BRCA1 tumors were larger in size (P =.03), had a higher rate of grade 3 histoprognostic factors (P =.002), and had a higher frequency of negative estrogen (P =.003) and progesterone receptors (P =.002) compared with non-BRCA1 tumors. Overall survival was poorer for carriers than for noncarriers (5-year rate, 80% v 91%, P =.002). Because a long time interval between cancer diagnosis and genetic counseling artificially increases survival time due to unrecorded deaths, the analysis was limited to the 110 patients whose diagnosis-to-counseling interval was less than 36 months (19 BRCA1 patients and 91 non-BRCA1 patients). The differences between the BRCA1 and non-BRCA1 groups regarding overall survival and metastasis-free interval were dramatically increased (49% v 85% and 18% v 84%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that BRCA1 mutation was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly support that among patients with familial breast cancer, those who have a BRCA1 mutation have a worse outcome than those who do not.

Detection of MUC1-expressing mammary carcinoma cells in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

We have prospectively analyzed blood samples of 122 patients with breast disease for the presence of circulating expressing MUC1 cells before and after treatment. Among them, 28 patients had histologically confirmed benign breast disease (group 1), 34 patients had operable breast cancer (group 2), and 60 patients had advanced breast cancer (group 3). Circulating epithelial cells were isolated with BerEP4-coated immunomagnetic beads. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed before analysis by real-time PCR of a MUC1-specific cDNA sequence. The sensitivity of the reverse transcription-PCR tested with blood spiked with MCF7 cells was one cell in 5 ml of blood. The immunomagnetic separation step was mandatory to obtain the maximum specificity. Control samples from healthy donors never displayed cycle threshold (Ct) values for MUC1 lower than 38. Circulating cells (Ct, <38) were detected in 3 of 28 (11%) cases in group 1, in 8 of 34 (24%) cases in group 2, and in 27 of 60 cases (45%) in group 3. A semiquantitative estimate of blood-borne cells could be derived from the Ct value when below 32 (the lowest was 28) or by the number of positive aliquots of the same blood sample. Thus, immunomagnetic separation, followed by MUC1-specific RT-PCR, allows the semiquantitative detection of circulating mammary cells. A significant correlation between the presence of MUC1-positive cells and the group of breast tumors was observed. The clinical significance of blood-borne cells in breast cancer, especially at the operable stage, may be investigated by following these patients.

Occult cancer in specimens of reduction mammaplasty aimed at symmetrization. A multicentric study of 2718 patients.

Women who have undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer often benefit from a contralateral reduction mammaplasty (CRM) aimed at symmetrization of the contralateral breast unaffected by the initial cancer. In our 7-year multicentric study (12 centers) of 2718 patients, incidence of CRM cancers (CRMc) was 1.47% (n = 40) [95% CI 1.05%-2.00%]. The CRMc group had significantly more initial mammary cancers of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC, 22.5% vs 12.0%) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, 35.0% vs 21.6%) types than the healthy CRM group (p = 0.017). 35.0% (n = 14) of patients had en bloc resection; 25.0% (n = 10) of surgical specimens were correctly oriented. En bloc resection and orientation of surgical specimens enable precise pinpointing of the CRMc. A salvage lumpectomy may be proposed as an option when margins are invaded. The histological distribution of the 40 CRMc (mean size 12.7 mm) was carcinoma in situ (CIS) 70%, ILC 12.5%, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) 12.5% and tubular carcinoma (TC) 5.0%.

Phytoestrogens after breast cancer.

The current extension of the indications for adjuvant chemotherapy, which predisposes to early menopause, and the media coverage of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have led patients with a history of breast cancer to seek treatments for estrogen deprivation. In breast cancer survivors, most physicians avoid HRT because of concern regarding the potential promotion of growth of occult malignant cells by estrogens, due to the estrogen dependence of breast cancer. Soy phytoestrogens are being promoted as the 'natural alternative' to HRT and have been available without restrictions for several years as nutritional supplements. In this paper, data on the complex mammary effects of phytoestrogens in epidemiological studies, in in vitro studies, as well as in in vivo studies on animal carcinogenesis are reviewed. The potential benefits and risks of phytoestrogens are analyzed, and the prescription of phytoestrogens to postmenopausal women after breast cancer and the coprescription with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen are discussed. The absence of controlled trials and technical checking of extraction and titration in these preparations on 'free sale' raise a new problem in terms of public health and justify close reasoning and a cautious attitude of physicians, as well as straight information given to women, especially after breast cancer.

Isolated axillary recurrences after conservative treatment of breast cancer.

This retrospective study presents the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic problems raised by axillary recurrences (AR). 1589 cases of breast cancer measuring less than 3 cm, treated at the Institut Curie between 1981 and 1987, were studied by a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Treatment of the breast always included wide local excision associated with irradiation. The axilla was treated either by dissection (865 cases) or by irradiation (724 cases) and 159 patients received chemotherapy. 26 patients (2%) developed AR, confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology in 92% of cases. None of these 26 patients had initially received chemotherapy. The treatment of the AR was variable, adapted to the initial treatment. 22 patients retained their breast during treatment of the AR and none subsequently developed a local recurrence. 4 mastectomies were performed and histological examination revealed a subclinical local recurrence in 2 cases. The TNM classification, menopausal status, size of the tumour and hormonal receptor status were not risk factors for AR. Young age (P = 0.01) and high histological grade (P = 0.03) were significant risk factors for AR. The AR rate was similar whether axillary dissection or axillary irradiation had been performed. The overall 5-year survival after initial treatment was 85% for AR and 95% for the reference population. The overall 4-year survival after recurrence was 69% and the incidence of metastasis was markedly increased (P = 0.002). 2 of the 26 patients developed lymphoedema of the arm after treatment of AR. We confirm that AR worsens the prognosis, but not significantly more than local recurrence. Young age and the modified histological grading of Scarff Bloom and Richardson were risk factors for AR. Although excision of the AR is necessary to ensure local control, mastectomy is unnecessary when clinical examination and mammography are normal.

ERBB2 overexpression in breast carcinomas: no positive correlation with complete pathological response to preoperative high-dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

The predictive value of ERBB2 amplification/expression to doxorubicin use is controversial. Preoperative chemotherapy, followed by the pathological assessment of tumour response to treatment provide optimal conditions for the evaluation of the predictive value of biological parameters. We report here data on the predictive value of ERBB2 in a series of 54 cases of breast cancer treated by preoperative high-dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Our series consisted of 26 women presenting an inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and of 28 women with poor prognosis primary cancer (PPPC). Patients received a total of four cycles with doxorubicin (75 mg/m(2) for IBC or 70 mg/m(2) for PPPC) and cyclophosphamide (6 g/m(2) for IBC or 1400 mg/m(2) for PPPC), every 21 days. ERBB2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (clone CB11) performed on a tumour biopsy taken before chemotherapy. All patients underwent surgery as a second step of treatment, and the tumour response was assessed on pathological specimens. A complete pathological response was observed in 24 of the 54 cases (44%) (95% confidence interval (CI), 31-57). Pathological complete response was positively correlated with high histological grade (P=0. 02) and with the absence of oestrogen (P=0.003) or progesterone (P=0. 02) receptor expression. ERBB2 overexpression was found in 18 of the 54 cases (33%). A complete pathological response was observed in 33% of these cases (6/18). This figure was not significantly different from the 50% rate of complete response observed for tumours with no detectable ERBB2 expression (18/36). In this small series, ERBB2 overexpression was not a significant predictive marker of the pathological response to high-dose doxorubicin-based chemotherapy.

Adult Schistosoma mansoni express cathepsin L proteinase activity.

This report presents the deduced amino acid sequence of a novel cathepsin L proteinase from Schistosoma mansoni, and describes cathepsin L-like activity in extracts of adult schistosomes. Using consensus primers specific for cysteine proteinases, gene fragments were amplified from adult S. mansoni cDNA by PCR and cloned. One of these fragments showed marked identity to Sm31, the cathepsin B cysteine proteinase of adult S. mansoni, whereas another differed from Sm31 and was employed as a probe to isolate two cDNAs from an adult S. mansoni gene library. Together these cDNAs encoded a novel preprocathepsin L of 319 amino acids; this zymogen is predicted to be processed in vivo into a mature, active cathepsin L proteinase of 215 amino acids. Closest homologies were with cathepsins L from rat, mouse, and chicken (46-47% identity). Southern hybridization analysis suggested that only one or a few copies of the gene was present per genome, demonstrated that its locus was distinct from that of Sm31, and that a homologous sequence was present in Schistosoma japonicum. Because these results indicated that schistosomes expressed a cathepsin L proteinase, extracts of adult S. mansoni were examined for acidic, cysteine proteinase activity. Based on rates of cleavage of peptidyl substrates employed to discriminate between classes of cysteine proteinases, namely cathepsin L (Z-phe-arg-AMC), cathepsin B (Z-arg-arg-AMC) and cathepsin H (Bz-arg-AMC), the extracts were found to contain vigorous cathepsin L-like activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A robust molecular phylogeny of the Tricladida (Platyhelminthes: Seriata) with a discussion on morphological synapomorphies.

The suborder Tricladida (Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria, Seriata) comprises most well-known species of free-living flatworms. Four infraorders are recognized: (i) the Maricola (marine planarians); (ii) the Cavernicola (a group of primarily cavernicolan planarians); (iii) the Paludicola (freshwater planarians); and (iv) the Terricola (land planarians). The phylogenetic relationships among these infraorders have been analysed using morphological characters, but they remain uncertain. Here we analyse the phylogeny and classification of the Tricladida, with additional, independent, molecular data from complete sequences of 18S rDNA and 18S rRNA. We use maximum parsimony and neighbour-joining methods and the characterization of a unique gene duplication event involving the Terricola and the dugesiids to reconstruct the phylogeny. The results show that the Maricola is monophyletic and is the primitive sister group to the rest of the Tricladida (the Paludicola plus the Terricola). The Paludicola are paraphyletic since the Terricola and one paludicolan family, the Dugesiidae, share a more recent common ancestor than the dugesiids with other paludicolans (dendrocoelids and planariids). A reassessment of morphological evidence may confirm the apparent redundancy of the existing infraorders Paludicola and Terricola. In the meantime, we suggest replacing the Paludicola and Terricola with a new clade, the Continenticola, which comprises the families Dugesiidae, Planariidae, Dendrocoelidae and the Terricola.

The phylogenetic position of Udonella (Platyhelminthes).

Phylogenetic analysis of molecular data from complete 18S rRNA and partial 28S rRNA genes, of a variety of platyhelminths, places the enigmatic Udonella caligorum firmly as a monopisthocotylean monogenean. Both maximum parsimony and a modified distance measure, operating under a maximum likelihood model, gave identical solutions for each data set. These data further support morphological evidence from ultrastructural studies indicating the neodermatan affinities of Udonella, namely shared features in sensory receptors, surface tegument, sperm structure and spermiogenesis. The molecular data reject the class Udonellidea and the placement of udonellids as sister-group to the Neodermata. As shown previously with molecular data, the monogeneans appear as a paraphyletic assemblage comprising strongly monophyletic Monopisthocotylea and Polyopisthocotylea. Their relationships with the trematodes and cestodes are not resolved with 28S rDNA or 18S rDNA alone.