Haplotype analysis reveals that the recurrent BRCA1 deletion of exons 23 and 24 is a Greek founder mutation.

A recurrent large genomic rearrangement (LGR) encompassing exons 23 and 24 of the BRCA1 gene has been identified in breast-ovarian cancer families of Greek origin. Its breakpoints have been determined as c.5406 + 664_*8273del11052 (RefSeq: NM_007294.3) and a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been set up for rapid screening. In a series of 2,092 high-risk families completely screened for BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations, we have found the deletion in 35 families (1.68%), representing 7.83% of the mutations identified in both genes and 10.3% of the total BRCA1 mutations. In order to characterize this deletion as a founder mutation, haplotype analysis was conducted in 60 carriers from 35 families, using three BRCA1 intragenic microsatellite markers and four markers surrounding the BRCA1 locus. Our results demonstrate a common shared core disease-associated haplotype of 2.89Mb. Our calculations estimate that the deletion has originated from a common ancestor 1450 years ago, which most probably inhabited the Asia Minor area. The particular (LGR) is the third mutation of such type that is proven to have a Greek founder effect in the Greek population, illustrating the necessity for LGRs testing in individuals of Greek descent.

Effect of testosterone therapy on the female voice.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study was designed to investigate the effect of testosterone, delivered by subcutaneous implants, on the female voice. METHODS: Ten women who had opted for testosterone therapy were recruited for voice analysis. Voices were recorded prior to treatment and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months while on testosterone therapy. Acoustic samples were collected with subjects reading a sentence, reading a paragraph, and participating in a conversation. Significant changes in the voice over time were investigated using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with the fundamental frequency (F0) as a response variable. Demographic variables associated with characteristics of the voice were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in average F0 related to smoking history, menopausal status, weight, or body mass index. There was no difference in average fundamental speaking frequency (sentence, paragraph, conversation) between the pre-treatment group and any post-treatment group at 3 and 12 months. There was an increase in sentence speech F0 at 6 months. Two of three patients with lower than expected F0 at baseline improved on testosterone therapy. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic levels of testosterone, delivered by subcutaneous implant, had no adverse affect on the female voice including lowering or deepening of the voice.

High prevalence of BRCA1 founder mutations in Greek breast/ovarian families.

We have screened 473 breast/ovarian cancer patients with family history, aiming to define the prevalence and enrich the spectrum of BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutations occurring in the Greek population. An overall mutation prevalence of 32% was observed. Six BRCA1 recurrent/founder mutations dominate the observed spectrum (58.5% of all mutations found). These include three mutations in exon 20 and three large genomic deletions. Of the 44 different deleterious mutations found in both genes, 16 are novel and reported here for the first time. Correlation with available histopathology data showed that 80% of BRCA1 carriers presented a triple-negative breast cancer phenotype while 82% of BRCA2 carriers had oestrogen receptor positive tumours. This study provides a comprehensive view of the frequency, type and distribution of BRCA1/2 mutations in the Greek population as well as an insight of the screening strategy of choice for patients of Greek origin. We conclude that the Greek population has a diverse mutation spectrum influenced by strong founder effects.

High MET expression is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) pathway is frequently altered in tumours. The purpose of our study was to determine the prognostic value of tumour MET expression levels in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), in order to strengthen the rationale for targeted therapy of TNBC using MET inhibitors. METHODS: We determined expression of MET in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens of TNBC by immunohistochemistry. Recurrence-free and overall survival was analysed with Cox models adjusted for clinical and pathological factors. RESULTS: Immunostaining for MET was classified as high in 89 of 170 (52%) tumours. MET expression was more frequently observed in G3 carcinomas (P=0.02) but was not significantly associated to any of the other clinical or pathological parameters. High MET expression predicted shorter survival of the patients. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses identified MET to be an independent prognostic factor for recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence 3.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65-7.12; P=0.001) and death (adjusted HR for death 3.74; 95% CI 1.65-8.46; P=0.002). CONCLUSION: These results provide further evidence that the MET pathway could be exploited as a target for TNBC.

Improvement in scalp hair growth in androgen-deficient women treated with testosterone: a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: Androgens are thought to have an adverse effect on female scalp hair growth. However, our clinical experience of androgen replacement therapy in women with androgen deficiency, in which hair loss was seldom reported, led us to question this concept. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of subcutaneous testosterone therapy on scalp hair growth in female patients. METHODS: A total of 285 women, treated for a minimum of 1year with subcutaneous testosterone implants for symptoms of androgen deficiency, were asked to complete a survey that included questions on scalp and facial hair. Age, body mass index (BMI) and serum testosterone levels were examined. RESULTS: Out of the 285 patients, 76 (27%) reported hair thinning prior to treatment; 48 of these patients (63%) reported hair regrowth on testosterone therapy (responders). Nonresponders (i.e. no reported hair regrowth on therapy) had significantly higher BMIs than responders (P=0·05). Baseline serum testosterone levels were significantly lower in women reporting hair loss prior to therapy than in those who did not (P=0·0001). There was no significant difference in serum testosterone levels, measured 4weeks after testosterone implantation, between responders and nonresponders. No patient in this cohort reported scalp hair loss on testosterone therapy. A total of 262 women (92%) reported some increase in facial hair growth. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous testosterone therapy was found to have a beneficial effect on scalp hair growth in female patients treated for symptoms of androgen deficiency. We propose this is due to an anabolic effect of testosterone on hair growth. The fact that no subject complained of hair loss as a result of treatment casts doubt on the presumed role of testosterone in driving female scalp hair loss. These results need to be confirmed by formal measurements of hair growth.

Paving the way for changing perceptions in breast surgery: a systematic literature review focused on oncological and aesthetic outcomes of oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The emphasis on aesthetic outcomes and quality of life after breast cancer surgery has motivated breast surgeons to develop oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OPS). Training programs are still rare in most countries, and there is little standardization, which challenges the scientific evaluation of these techniques. This systematic review aims to assess oncological and cosmetic outcomes of OPS. METHODS: After a strict selection process with precise inclusion and exclusion criteria, oncologic and aesthetic outcomes of oncoplastic surgery were searched, using the MEDLINE database up to September 30th, 2017. Available published literature was classified in levels of evidence. After a thorough screening process, only studies with the best level of evidence were included on selection. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were not included for methodological reasons. RESULTS: Titles and abstracts of 2.854 citations were identified and after screening 15 prospective studies including 1.391 patients were reviewed and scored in detail. Local relapse was found in 2.8% of cases with a wide range of follow-up (from 6 to 74 months). Close margins were retrieved in 11% of cases and positive margins in 9.4% of cases. Mastectomy was implemented in 6.9% of breast cancer patients to whom OPS was performed. Good cosmetic outcomes were detected in 90.2% of patients undergoing OPS, leaving open issues for who should perform cosmetic evaluation and which method should be used. CONCLUSION: Tumor margins, mastectomy rates, and cosmetic outcomes of OPS have to be further improved by standardizing various aspects of OPS. Research efforts should focus on level I evidence assessing both oncological and aesthetic outcomes of OPS and survival rates.

Testosterone and breast cancer prevention.

Testosterone (T) is the most abundant biologically active hormone in women. Androgen receptors (AR) are located throughout the body including the breast where T decreases tissue proliferation. However, T can be aromatized to estradiol (E2), which increases proliferation and hence, breast cancer (BCA) risk. Increased aromatase expression and an imbalance in the ratio of stimulatory estrogens to protective androgens impacts breast homeostasis. Recent clinical data supports a role for T in BCA prevention. Women with symptoms of hormone deficiency treated with pharmacological doses of T alone or in combination with anastrozole (A), delivered by subcutaneous implants, had a reduced incidence of BCA. In addition, T combined with A effectively treated symptoms of hormone deficiency in BCA survivors and was not associated with recurrent disease. Most notably, T+A implants placed in breast tissue surrounding malignant tumors significantly reduced BCA tumor size, further supporting T direct antiproliferative, protective and therapeutic effect.

Phytoestrogen supplementation: a case report of male breast cancer.

Patients seeking alternatives to hormone replacement are increasingly using non-prescription phytoestrogen supplements. The potential of these herbal remedies to prevent bone loss, heart disease, menopausal symptoms or breast cancer has been a focus of attention in scientific and lay literature. It is important to understand the effects of phytoestrogens, particularly whether excess exposure can promote hyperplasia or neoplasia of breast tissue. We report the case of a man diagnosed with breast cancer whose history was notable for extensive use of supplemental phytoestrogens and the absence of family history of breast cancer or BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation. In conclusion, breast tissue effects of phytoestrogens remain unclear. The increasing popularity and availability of phytoestrogen dietary supplements necessitates additional research in order to counsel patients regarding their safety and efficacy.

Maternal mortality in Greece (1980-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To use data from the National Statistical Service of Greece to examine trends in maternal mortality and risk factors for maternal deaths. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal mortality in Greece has been studied from years 1980 to 1996 in total, by cause of death, by residency (urban/rural) and by maternal age. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has been defined as the number of deaths per 100,000 live births. RESULTS: From years 1980 to 1996, there have been 136 maternal deaths (MMR: 7). The number of deaths has significantly decreased during this period and six major causes of death have been identified, resulting in 80% of maternal deaths. A simulation of maternal mortality between urban and rural areas has been achieved during the last decade. Also, maternal mortality rises dramatically with age. CONCLUSIONS: Although overall rates of maternal mortality in Greece have been significantly decreased over the last years, an improved recording of maternal deaths is necessary for identifying preventable factors and developing effective interventions.

Survival in primary inoperable breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Patients described as having inoperable breast cancer comprised a heterogeneous group of patients with variable natural history and survival. Over the past 20 years combined modality therapy has been used to improve control of disease and enhance survival. However, systemic evaluation of these patients has been limited and additional clinical research is needed. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 136 patients with primary inoperable breast cancer. Twenty-five years of experience was used to examine the effect of several prognostic variables and different treatment modalities on survival. RESULTS: The median survival of inoperable breast cancer patients was 46 months (2 to 220). Metastatic status at initial diagnosis was an independent prognostic factor, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery seems to offer a survival advantage. Also, hormonal receptor status affects the long-term survival. CONCLUSION: Metastatic status, status of receptors and type of treatment provide additional prognostic information and therefore should be used as prognostic indicators for primary inoperable breast cancer.

Does axillary dissection affect prognosis in T1 breast tumors?

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with breast cancer has undergone many revisions over recent decades. The current trend is toward limited resections and breast conservation. Some authors advocate the abandonment of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for small tumors. While it is accepted that ALND has no therapeutic effect in breast cancer patients, its prognostic significance for small tumors is debated. Eligibility criteria for surgical treatment without axillary dissection are evolving. METHODS: Considering that problem, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 100 patients with T1 invasive carcinoma of the breast treated at Hippokration Hospital of Athens between 1986 and 1987. Patients were divided into two groups: those that underwent ALND (n=76) and those that did not (n=24). The following data were recorded: age, tumor size, grade, hormone receptor status and postoperative treatment. The ten-year overall and disease-free survival were analysed. A multivariate analysis was used to identify prognostic variables. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the ten-year overall and disease-free survival between the two groups. The univariate analysis showed that tumor size predicts both recurrence and survival. In the multivariate analysis tumor size was found to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: ALND did not influence the ten-year survival or the recurrence rate. Tumor size was the only statistically significant and independent prognostic factor for T1 breast cancer patients.

PRKAR1A gene analysis and protein kinase A activity in endometrial tumors.

PRKAR1A codes for the type 1a regulatory subunit (RIα) of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), an enzyme with an important role in cell cycle regulation and proliferation. PKA dysregulation has been found in various tumors, and PRKAR1A-inactivating mutations have been reported in mostly endocrine neoplasias. In this study, we investigated PKA activity and the PRKAR1A gene in normal and tumor endometrium. Specimens were collected from 31 patients with endometrial cancer. We used as controls 41 samples of endometrium that were collected from surrounding normal tissues or from women undergoing gynecological operations for other reasons. In all samples, we sequenced the PRKAR1A-coding sequence and studied PKA subunit expression; we also determined PKA activity and cAMP binding. PRKAR1A mutations were not found. However, PKA regulatory subunit protein levels, both RIα and those of regulatory subunit type 2b (RIIß), were lower in tumor samples; cAMP binding was also lower in tumors compared with normal endometrium (P<0.01). Free PKA activity was higher in tumor samples compared with that of control tissue (P<0.01). There are significant PKA enzymatic abnormalities in tumors of the endometrium compared with surrounding normal tissue; as these were not due to PRKAR1A mutations, other mechanisms affecting PKA function ought to be explored.

The contribution of three-dimensional power Doppler imaging in the preoperative assessment of breast tumors: a preliminary report.

Purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the value of 3D and 3D Power Doppler sonography in the detection of tumor malignancy in breast lesions and to find new diagnostic criteria for differential diagnosis. Methods. One hundred and twenty five women with clinically or mammographically suspicious findings were referred for 3D Power Doppler ultrasound prior to surgery. Histological diagnosis was conducted after surgery and compared with ultrasound findings. Sonographic criteria used for breast cancer diagnosis were based on a system that included morphological characteristics and criteria of the vascular pattern of a breast mass by Power Doppler imaging. Results. Seventy-two lesions were histopathologically diagnosed as benign and 53 tumors as malignant. Three-dimensional ultrasound identified 49 out of 53 histologically confirmed breast cancers resulting in a sensitivity of 92.4% and a specificity of 86.1% in diagnosing breast malignancy (PPV: 0.83, NPV:0.94). Conclusions. 3D ultrasonography is a valuable tool in identifying preoperatively the possibility of a tumor to be malignant.

Clinical effects of tibolone in postmenopausal women after 5 years of tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This observational, prospective, open, non-randomized study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of tibolone for the treatment of climacteric symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 156 women who had been treated for breast cancer and had received tamoxifen for 5 years participated in the study. One month after stopping tamoxifen, 52 women started taking tibolone while the rest served as untreated controls (n = 104). They were followed up (mean duration 61 months) for climacteric symptoms, cancer recurrence rate, breast density, endometrial thickness and adverse events. RESULTS: There was no difference in cancer recurrence rate between the two groups. Breast density was not affected. Tibolone treatment alleviated climacteric symptoms and positively affected sexual problems. Endometrial thickness was not adversely affected by treatment and there was a low incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Tibolone was effective in the treatment of climacteric symptoms and well tolerated in a group of 52 women with a history of breast cancer. The cancer recurrence rate in the tibolone group was comparable to that of untreated controls. It should be noted that the limitations of the study design and the small number of events preclude any definitive conclusions about the effects of tibolone on breast cancer recurrence in general clinical practice. There were no breast-related adverse effects, and overall safety and tolerance were similar to those of the general population of postmenopausal women treated with tibolone.

For and against a European quality control of training.

In a world of medicine that evolves more and more rapidly, sufficient quality of education in the arts and crafts of our discipline and control of this quality are essential for the progress and vitality of Ob/Gyn. There are variations in training within European countries but with the aim of harmonization in training programmes and the flexibility of quality control mechanisms we will meet our objective that is the high standards in the care of woman throughout Europe.

Absence of transplacental passage of the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy and puerperium remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) constitutes a promising alternative for the prevention of VTE instead of unfractionated heparin as it can be administered subcutaneously once daily and without coagulation measurement. Unfortunately, the safety of LMWHs administration for the mother and fetus has not been well established. STUDY DESIGN: In order to examine the safety of enoxaparin to the fetus, 24 women were recruited and 40 mg of enoxaparin was administered in 14 of them. All 24 women were going to have an early termination of pregnancy due to major fetal malformations. Maternal blood samples were drawn before and after the injection of enoxaparin, while fetal blood samples were taken only after the drug administration. Anti-IIa and anti-Xa activities were measured. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase of anti-Xa activity in the mothers studied was pointed out, while there was no detection of anti-IIa and anti-Xa activities in the fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: Since no anti-IIa and anti-Xa activities were detected in the fetuses' blood samples, it is concluded that enoxaparin does not cross the placenta and therefore appears safe for the fetus.

The possible role of p53 and bcl-2 expression in cervical carcinomas and their premalignant lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the expression and clinical significance of bcl-2 and p53 in the progression of cervical neoplasias. METHODS: One hundred seventy-one cervical specimens, consisting of normal cervical epithelium (n = 13), lesions with histological features of HPV infection (n = 14), CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) lesions (n = 63), and cervical carcinomas (n = 81) were examined immunohistochemically in paraffin sections. RESULTS: Twenty-three specimens showed p53 expression [3/20 (15%) CIN III, 18/63 (29%) ISCC (invasive squamous cervical carcinoma), and 2/18 (11%) adenocarcinomas] while 63 cases expressed the bcl-2 gene [10/13 (77%) normal, 0/14(0%) condylomas, 6/23 (26%) CIN I, 9/20 (45%) CIN II, 15/20 (75%) CIN III, 18/63 (29%) ISCC, and 5/18 (28%) adenocarcinomas]. The expression of bcl-2 was found to increase in direct relation to the grade of CIN (P = 0.02) whereas such a trend was not observed for p53. p53 was not detected in normal or premalignant lesions (except 3 out of 20 cases of CIN III). There was no significant correlation between the expression of p53 and the histological type of cervical carcinoma, even though expression of p53 was higher in ISCC than in adenocarcinomas (29% vs 11%, respectively). In cervical cancer patients, expression of bcl-2 was correlated to a greater than 5-year survival (P < 0.01) while no prognostic significance of p53 expression was found. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of bcl-2 expression may provide additional and independent prognostic information for the clinical course of the disease and therefore to be developed as a prognostic indicator for cervical cancer.

Can expression of apoptosis genes, bcl-2 and bax, predict survival and responsiveness to chemotherapy in node-negative breast cancer patients?

BACKGROUND: Although the status of the axillary lymph nodes is widely accepted to be associated with prognosis in breast cancer patients, there is a need for biomarkers to be analyzed as indicators of responsiveness to treatment. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the expression of apoptosis genes, bcl-2 and bax, predicts survival and responsiveness to chemotherapy in node-negative breast cancer patients. METHODS: One hundred thirty premenopausal women with primary breast carcinoma were studied for the expression of bcl-2 and bax genes. The relationship between the expression of bcl-2 and bax proteins and a series of markers of known prognostic value [such as tumor size, nuclear grade, receptors of the steroid hormones estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR)]. The association of these proteins with survival and responsiveness to chemotherapy was also examined. RESULTS: Sixty (46%) and sixty-four (49%) breast cancer cases were found positive for bcl-2 and bax, respectively, as indicated by immunohistochemistry. A statistically significant association was found between expression of bcl-2 and tumor size (P = 0.001), low grade (grade I) (P = 0.002), positivity of ER (P = 0.001), positivity of PR (P = 0.03), and superior disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.04), and superior overall survival (OS) (P = 0.03). In contrast, no similar associations were observed for the bax gene. Overall, there was a trend toward an association between adjuvant chemotherapy and DFS (P = 0.08) and OS (P = 0.07). This trend became statistically significant when the patients were analyzed by individual gene expression. In bax-positive patients, chemotherapy improves 6-year DFS (P = 0.01) and OS (P = 0.03) while similar effects were not observed in the other subgroups of patients. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that bcl-2 expression is associated with a number of favorable prognostic factors and better clinical outcome, while bax expression seems to have positive predictive value for responsiveness to chemotherapy in lymph node-negative breast cancer patients.