RESUMO
A subpopulation of breast cancer cells with cluster of differentiation (CD)44-positive and CD24-negative expression has been reported to have stem cell properties and to have a higher tumorigenic capacity than other cells. However, the clinicopathological characteristics of this subpopulation are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the correlations between the expression of CD44 and CD24 and clinicopathological parameters and overall survival. We studied specimens from 262 patients with invasive breast cancer. Immunohistochemical staining for CD44 and CD24 was performed using tissue microarrays. The clinicopathological factors were evaluated from the patients' medical records. In correlation analysis, CD44 expression was significantly associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative status (P<0.001). Conversely, CD24 expression was significantly associated with HER2-positive status (P<0.001). CD44 and CD24 expression did not demonstrate any correlation with the age, tumor size, axillary lymph node metastasis status, tumor stage, histological grade, estrogen receptor status and progesterone receptor status of patients. Upon survival analysis, there was no statistical difference in overall survival according to the expression of CD44 and CD24. The results from this study suggest that CD44 and CD24 are clinically significant markers associated with breast tumorigenesis, but not sufficient factors in determining the prognosis of invasive breast cancer.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results for the insertion of totally implantable central venous access devices (TICVADs) by surgeons. METHODS: Total 397 patients, in whom TICVADs had been inserted for intravenous chemotherapy between September 2008 and June 2014, were pooled. This procedure was performed under local anesthesia in an operation room. The insertion site for the TICVAD was mainly in the right-side subclavian vein. In the case of breast cancer patients, the subclavian vein opposite the surgical site was used for insertion. RESULTS: The 397 patients included 73 males and 324 females. Primary malignant tumors were mainly colorectal and breast cancer. The mean operation time was 54 minutes (18-276 minutes). Operation-related complications occurred in 33 cases (8.3%). Early complications developed in 15 cases with catheter malposition and puncture failure. Late complications, which developed after 24 hours, included inflammation in 6 cases, skin necrosis in 6 cases, hematoma in 3 cases, port malfunction in 1 case, port migration in 1 case, and intractable pain at the port site in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Insertion of a TICVAD under local anesthesia by a surgeon is a relatively safe procedure. Meticulous undermining of the skin and carefully managing the TICVAD could minimize complications.
RESUMO
Bone is the most common metastatic organ in patients with breast cancer. The most significant clinical symptom of bone metastasis is pain which reduces quality of life in cancer patients. We report a case of chest wall reconstruction after partial sternal resection for solitary sternal metastasis and modified radical mastectomy in a patient with locally advanced breast cancer. The sternal defect was reconstructed with a 2 mm thick Gore-Tex patch. Postoperative pain was acceptable and the patient was discharged without any complications. The patient received the endocrine and bisphosphonate therapy combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. No recurrence or complications were observed during a follow-up period of 36 months. We describe our good surgical management results of sternal metastatic lesion in a patient with locally advanced breast cancer. We suggest that simultaneous sternectomy is a safe and curative surgical method for a solitary sternal metastasis when no evidence of systemic spread is noted.