Detection and quantification of mammaglobin in the blood of breast cancer patients: can it be useful as a potential clinical marker? Preliminary results of a GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico dell'Italia Meridionale) prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Mammaglobin is expressed mainly in mammary tissue, overexpressed in breast cancer (BC) and rarely in other tissue. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of transcript MGB1 detection and to evaluate the role of MGB1 as potential clinical marker for the detection of disseminated cancer cells in the blood of BC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 23 BC tissues, 36 peripheral blood BC samples and 35 healthy peripheral blood samples was prospectively recruited to investigate MGB1 expression by means of a quantitative Real Time RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: MGB1 overexpression in tissue samples of BC patients is significantly associated only with high level of Ki67 (P <0.05). None of the samples from peripheral blood of 35 healthy female individuals were positive for MGB1 transcript. In contrast MGB1 mRNA expression was detected in three of 36 (8%) peripheral blood of BC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results demonstrate that the detection of MGB1 transcript in peripheral blood of BC patients was specific but with low sensitivity. MGB1 overexpression by itself or in combination with Ki67 might be considered an index of BC progression.

Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in localized carcinoma of prostate: preliminary reports of toxicity in dose-escalation treatment.

PURPOSE. Many studies confirmed the evidence of a dose-response relationship in prostate cancer. Escalation of dose using conventional techniques is however limited by rectal tolerance. IMRT and 3D-CRT have been designed to allow dose escalation while not exceeding rectal tolerance. We evaluated the acute and early late tolerance to surrounding organs upon dose escalation from 70 to 78 Gy in 3D-CRT setting, in order to introduce the IMRT process as a routine practice in prostate cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We compared clinical data from 35 patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate, who received 70 Gy within a traditional reconstructed three-dimensional treatment planning, and data from 72 patients who received 78 Gy within a threedimensional conformal setting. In order to respect rectal tolerance in the higher dose group, limits were set for rectum doses, and simulation procedures were standardized. We evaluated radiation morbidity (acute and late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity) using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring criteria (RTOG scale). RESULTS. Increasing doses from 70 Gy to 78 Gy resulted in no significant difference for acute and late effects. CONCLUSION. A procedural standardization aiming at minimizing day-by-day variation, as well as a more consistent dose distribution to critical organs may significantly reduce the risk of increased toxicity in dose-escalation setting.