Breast microcalcifications: Past, present and future (Review).

Mammary microcalcifications (MCs) are calcium deposits that are considered as robust markers of breast cancer when identified on mammography. MCs are frequently associated with premalignant and malignant lesions. The aim of the present review was to describe the MC types and associated radiological and pathological aspects in detail, provide insights and approaches to the topic, and describe specific clinical scenarios. The primary MC types are composed of calcium oxalate, hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite associated with magnesium. The first type is usually associated with benign conditions, while the others remain primarily associated with malignancy. Radiologically, MCs are classified as benign or suspicious. MCs may represent an active pathological mineralization process rather than a passive process, such as degeneration or necrosis. Practical management of breast specimens requires finely calibrated radiological pathological procedures. Understanding the molecular and structural development of MCs may contribute to breast lesion detection and treatment.

Pregnancy and the apoptotic pathway in experimental melanoma.

Pregnancy-associated melanoma is defined as melanoma diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year of delivery. The association of pregnancy with melanoma is well known, but its underlying molecular mechanisms of association are poorly understood. The aim was to assess the expression of apoptosis-related genes in melanoma tumors during pregnancy in an attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis-driven activation of melanoma cells in this period. Mice were allocated across two experimental groups (nonpregnant and pregnant) and implanted with the melanoma cell line BF16-F10. Tumor tissue was collected for RNA extraction and purification, and gene expression was quantified using the mouse apoptosis RT2ProfilerTM PCR array. Different intracellular apoptotic pathways were activated (positively or negatively) by pregnancy in tumor cells: intrinsic (21.5%), extrinsic (32%), caspase (14%), apoptosis (21.5%), and caspase-activated DNase (11%). The proportion of upregulated genes for each of these pathways was 100, 30, 50, 17, and 0%, respectively. MetaCore software was then used to analyze gene ontology processes and pathways by building networks. Among the gene ontology processes, the majority of differentiated genes were related to the apoptotic process. The main pathway activated by pregnancy was the intrinsic one (genes Api-5, Bcl2-L1, Birc-2, Birc-3, Bok, and Trp53bp2). Pregnancy activates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway to stimulate caspases 7 and 9, but the final balance is inhibition of apoptosis mechanisms. In mice, pregnancy cannot promote or worsen melanoma.

Gastrointestinal Transcriptomic Response of Metabolic Vitamin B12 Pathways in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is highly prevalent and may contribute to postoperative complications. Decreased production of intrinsic factor owing to gastric fundus removal is thought to have a major role, but other components of B12 metabolism may also be affected. We evaluated changes in the expression levels of multiple B12 pathway-encoding genes in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues to evaluate the potential roles in contributing to post-RYGB B12 deficiency. METHODS: During double-balloon enteroscopy, serial GI biopsies were collected from 20 obese women (age, 46.9±6.2 years; body mass index, 46.5±5.3 kg/m2) with adult-onset type 2 diabetes (fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dl; hemoglobin A1c≥6.5%) before and, at the same site, 3 months after RYGB. Gene expression levels were assessed by the Affymetrix Human GeneChip 1.0 ST microarray. Findings were validated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: Gene expression levels with significant changes (P≤0.05) included: transcobalamin I (TCN1) in remnant (-1.914-fold) and excluded (-1.985-fold) gastric regions; gastric intrinsic factor (GIF) in duodenum (-0.725-fold); and cubilin (CUBN) in duodenum (+0.982-fold), jejunum (+1.311-fold), and ileum (+0.685-fold). Validation by RT-qPCR confirmed (P≤0.05) observed changes for TCN1 in the remnant gastric region (-0.132-fold) and CUBN in jejunum (+2.833-fold). CONCLUSIONS: RYGB affects multiple pathway-encoding genes that may be associated with postoperative B12 deficiency. Decreased TCN1 levels seem to be the main contributing factor. Increased CUBN levels suggest an adaptive genetic reprogramming of intestinal tissue aiming to compensate for impaired intestinal B12 delivery.

Breast Carcinoma-associated Fibroblasts Share Similar Biomarker Profiles in Matched Lymph Node Metastasis.

This study sought to understand the role of breast carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in the progression of cancer cells into lymph nodes. We compared fibroblasts of primary tumors and matched the involved lymph nodes to select fibroblast activation markers, namely α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), S100A4, and vimentin, as well as to determine the frequency of transforming growth factor ß1, a pleiotropic cytokine that induces the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, and its downstream effectors: CXCR4 and p-AKT. We disposed samples of 80 primary invasive ductal carcinomas and matched the involved lymph nodes from 43 cases into 3 tissue microarrays, and analyzed stromal and tumor epithelial cells separately by immunohistochemistry. Control uninvolved lymph nodes were analyzed by whole-tissue sections. Cancer-associated fibroblast in lymph nodes with macrometastasis expressed similar profiles of vimentin, α-SMA, and S100A4 as those found in primary tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblast were uniformly estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER-2, Ki-67, and p53 negative, but expressions of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1), CXCR4, and p-AKT staining (62.3%, 52.4%, 65%, respectively) were equivalent between primary and lymph node metastasis (LNM) fibroblasts. A significant coexpression of TGFß1 with p-AKT and CXCR4 in LNMs suggested the involvement of these proteins with TGFß1 signaling. These biomarkers, including α-SMA and S100A4, were negative in fibroblasts of cancer-free lymph nodes, with the exception of vimentin. Our finding that expressions of biological markers were similar in fibroblasts of the primary tumors and in matched LNMs, but were absent in cancer-free lymph nodes, supports the assumption that the lymph node stroma mimics the microenvironment observed in primary tumors.

Dermcidin exerts its oncogenic effects in breast cancer via modulation of ERBB signaling.

BACKGROUND: We previously identified dermicidin (DCD), which encodes a growth and survival factor, as a gene amplified and overexpressed in a subset of breast tumors. Patients with DCD-positive breast cancer have worse prognostic features. We therefore searched for specific molecular signatures in DCD-positive breast carcinomas from patients and representative cell lines. METHODS: DCD expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical and immunoblot assays in normal and neoplastic tissues and cell lines. To investigate the role of DCD in breast tumorigenesis, we analyzed the consequences of its downregulation in human breast cancer cell lines using three specific shRNA lentiviral vectors. Genes up- and down-regulated by DCD were identified using Affymetrix microarray and analyzed by MetaCore Platform. RESULTS: We identified DCD splice variant (DCD-SV) that is co-expressed with DCD in primary invasive breast carcinomas and in other tissue types and cell lines. DCD expression in breast tumors from patients with clinical follow up data correlated with high histological grade, HER2 amplification and luminal subtype. We found that loss of DCD expression led to reduced cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and suppressed tumorigenesis in immunodeficient mice. Network analysis of gene expression data revealed perturbed ERBB signaling following DCD shRNA expression including changes in the expression of ERBB receptors and their ligands. CONCLUSIONS: These findings imply that DCD promotes breast tumorigenesis via modulation of ERBB signaling pathways. As ERBB signaling is also important for neural survival, HER2+ breast tumors may highjack DCD's neural survival-promoting functions to promote tumorigenesis.

Effects of parenteral fish oil lipid emulsions on colon morphology and cytokine expression after experimental colitis.

AIM: To study the effects of different protocols of fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE) infusion on acute inflammation in a rat model of colitis. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (n = 51) were randomized into 5 groups to receive parenteral infusion of saline (SS) or soybean oil lipid emulsion (SO), as controls, and FOLE composed of: fish oil alone (FO); a mixture (9:1 v/v) of SO with FO (SO/FO); or 30% soybean oil, 30% medium-chain triglycerides, 25% olive oil, and 15%fish oil (SMOF). After 72 h of intravenous infusion, experimental colitis was induced with acetic acid. After 24 h, colonic samples were analyzed for histological and cytokine changes. RESULTS: In relation SS group, macroscopic necrosis was less frequent in the FO group and histological necrosis was more frequent in the SMOF group. There was a direct and inverse relation of colon interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-4 respectively, with histological necrosis. In comparison to the SS group, FO increased IL-4 and IFN-gamma and decreased TNF-alpha, SO/FO decreased TNF-alpha, and SMOF increased IL-1 and decreased IL- 4. CONCLUSION: In acetic acid-induced colitis, the isolate infusion of FOLE composed of fish oil alone was more advantageous in mitigating inflammation than the infusion of FOLE containing other oils, and this difference may be due the influences of their different fatty acid contents.

Objetivo: Estudiar los efectos de los diferentes protocolos de infusión de la emulsion de lípidos de aceite de pescado (Fole) sobre la inflamación aguda en el modelo de colitis en la rata. Material y métodos: Ratas Wistar macho adultas (n = 51) fueron asignados al azar en 5 grupos para recibir infusión parenteral de solución salina (SS) o emulsión de lípidos de aceite de soja (SO), como controles, y Fole compone de: aceite de pescado solo (FO), una mezcla (9:1 v/v) de SO con FO (SO/FO), o 30% de aceite de soja, 30% triglicéridos de cadena media, 25% de aceite de oliva, y 15% de aceite de pescado (SMOF). Después de 72 h de infusión intravenosa, colitis experimental fue inducida con ácido acético. Después de 24 h, las muestras de colon se analizaron para determinar cambios histológicos y citoquinas. Resultados: En relación en el SS grupo, necrosis macroscópica fue menos frecuente en el grupo FO y necrosis histológica fue más frecuente en el grupo de SMOF. Existe una relación directa e inversa de colon interleuquina (IL) -1 e IL-4, respectivamente, con necrosis histológica. En comparación con el grupo SS, en el FO hubo aumento de IL-4 e IFN-gamma y disminución de TNF-alfa, SO/FO disminuyó TNF-alfa, y en el SMOF hubo aumento de IL-1 y la disminución de IL-4. Conclusión: En la colitis inducida por ácido acético, la infusion aislada de Fole compuesto de aceite de pescado por sí solo fue más ventajosa en la atenuacion de la inflamacióndo que la infusión de Fole contiendo otros aceites, y esta diferencia puede ser debida las influencias de su diferente contenido de ácido graso.

Effects of parenteral fish oil lipid emulsions on colon morphologyand cytokine expression after experimental colitis / Efectos de las emulsiones parenterales de lípidos de peces sobre la morfología del colon y de la expresion de citoquinas después de colitis experimental

AIM: To study the effects of different protocols of fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE) infusion on acute inflammation in a rat model of colitis. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (n = 51) were randomized into 5 groups to receive parenteral infusion of saline (SS) or soybean oil lipid emulsion (SO), as controls, and FOLE composed of: fish oil alone (FO); a mixture (9:1 v/v) of SO with FO (SO/FO); or 30% soybean oil, 30% medium-chain triglycerides, 25% olive oil, and 15%fish oil (SMOF). After 72 h of intravenous infusion, experimental colitis was induced with acetic acid. After 24 h, colonic samples were analyzed for histological and cytokine changes. RESULTS: In relation SS group, macroscopic necrosis was less frequent in the FO group and histological necrosis was more frequent in the SMOF group. There was a direct and inverse relation of colon interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-4 respectively, with histological necrosis. In comparison to the SS group, FO increased IL-4 and IFN-gamma and decreased TNF-alpha, SO/FO decreased TNF-alpha, and SMOF increased IL-1 and decreased IL- 4.CONCLUSION:In acetic acid-induced colitis, the isolate infusion of FOLE composed of fish oil alone was more advantageous in mitigating inflammation than the infusion of FOLE containing other oils, and this difference may be due the influences of their different fatty acid contents (AU)

Objetivo: Estudiar los efectos de los diferentes protocolos de infusión de la emulsion de lípidos de aceite de pescado (Fole) sobre la inflamación aguda en el modelo de colitis en la rata. Material y métodos: Ratas Wistar macho adultas (n = 51) fueron asignados al azar en 5 grupos para recibir infusión parenteral de solución salina (SS) o emulsión de lípidos de aceite de soja (SO), como controles, y Fole compone de: aceite de pescado solo (FO), una mezcla (9:1 v/v) de SO con FO (SO/FO), o 30% de aceite de soja, 30% triglicéridos de cadena media, 25% de aceite de oliva, y 15% de aceite de pescado (SMOF). Después de 72 h de infusión intravenosa, colitis experimental fue inducida con ácido acético. Después de 24 h, las muestras de colon se analizaron para determinar cambios histológicos y citoquinas. Resultados: En relación en el SS grupo, necrosis macroscópica fue menos frecuente en el grupo FO y necrosis histológica fue más frecuente en el grupo de SMOF. Existe una relación directa e inversa de colon interleuquina (IL) -1 e IL-4, respectivamente, con necrosis histológica. En comparación con el grupo SS, en el FO hubo aumento de IL-4 e IFN-gamma y disminución de TNF-alfa, SO/FO disminuyó TNF-alfa, y en el SMOF hubo aumento de IL-1 y la disminución de IL-4. Conclusión: En la colitis inducida por ácido acético, la infusion aislada de Fole compuesto de aceite de pescado por sí solo fue más ventajosa en la atenuacion de la inflamación que la infusión de Fole contiendo otros aceites, y esta diferencia puede ser debida las influencias de su diferente contenido de ácido graso (AU)

Partial replacement of ω-6 fatty acids with medium-chain triglycerides, but not olive oil, improves colon cytokine response and damage in experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND: Soybean oil is rich in ω-6 fatty acids, which are associated with higher incidence and more severe cases of inflammatory bowel diseases. The authors evaluated whether partial replacement of soybean oil by medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) or olive oil influenced the incidence and severity of experimental ulcerative colitis by using different parenteral lipid emulsions (LEs). METHODS: Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomized to receive parenteral infusion of the following LE: 100% soybean oil (SO), 50% MCT mixed with 50% soybean oil (MCT/SO), 80% olive oil mixed with 20% soybean oil (OO/SO), or saline (CC). After 72 hours of infusion, acetic acid experimental colitis was induced. After 24 hours, colon histology and cytokine expression were analyzed. RESULTS: SO was not significantly associated with overall tissue damage. MCT/SO was not associated with necrosis (P < .005), whereas OO/SO had higher frequencies of ulcer and necrosis (P < .005). SO was associated with increased expression of interferon-γ (P = .005) and OO/SO with increased interleukin (IL)-6 and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α expression (P < .05). MCT/SO appeared to decrease IL-1 (P < .05) and increase IL-4 (P < .001) expression. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral SO with high concentration of ω-6 fatty acids was not associated with greater tissue damage in experimental colitis. SO partial replacement with MCT/SO decreased the frequency of histological necrosis and favorably modulated cytokine expression in the colon; however, replacement with OO/SO had unfavorable effects.

Correlation Between Anthropometric Measures and Biomarker Changes After Neoadjuvant Therapy With Tamoxifen or Anastrozole in Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have reported positive associations between anthropometric measures and risk for developing breast cancers that express hormone receptors and associated mortality. However, the impact of nutritional status on the molecular response to endocrine therapy has yet to be described. METHODS: Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HP), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) before and after neoadjuvant treatment with either tamoxifen or anastrozole, and a possible correlation with prognostic factors, as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and proliferative index (Ki-67), was analyzed. Fifty-seven patients with palpable ER-positive IDC were randomized into three neoadjuvant treatment groups and received anastrozole or placebo or tamoxifen for twenty-one days. Biomarker status was obtained by comparing the immunohistochemical evaluation of samples collected before and after treatment, using the Allred scoring system. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After treatment, the anastrozole group showed reduced ER and PgR expression (p < 0.05), and both the anastrozole and tamoxifen groups showed lower Ki-67 status. A significant reduction in PgR positivity (p < 0.05) was found in women with large WC and HC who were treated with anastrozole. Reduction in PgR positivity also tended to be associated with BMI (p = 0.09) in the anastrozole group. BMI, WC, HC and WHR correlated neither with biomarker levels in the tamoxifen and placebo groups nor with ER and Ki-67 status in the anastrozole group after primary endocrine treatment.

C-kit immnunohistochemical expression in breast carcinomas and lymph node metastasis. Lack of prognostical significance and review of literaturei

Objective: To evaluate the expression of c-kit in breast invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) and metastasis to lymph nodes considering epithelial and stromal components separately and correlate this variable to others clinical, pathological and biological markers (EGFR, Her-2, ER, PR, Ki-67 and p53 expression). Methods: We analysed 80 IDC, stage T2-T4 Nx Mx, in TMA of epithelial, stromal component and lymph nodes. Statistical analysis considered significant a p value < 5%. Results: c-kit expression was founded in 9 cases in epithelial component (11.3%) and in 10 cases (12.5%) of stromal component. The 43 samples of lymph nodes metastasis were negative. EGFR and Her-2 were predominantly negative, both in epithelial (77.5% and 73.75%, respectively), as stromal (97.5% and 95.0%) components and metastasis to lymph nodes (83.7% and 62.8%). While ER, PR, Ki-67 and p53 were positive in 49 (61.0%), 40 (53.0%), 67 (83.75%) and 59 cases (73.75%) in the epithelial component. Stromal cells have proved negatives. c-kit epithelial expression correlated to presence of in situ component (p = 0.044) and stromal c-kit expression correlated to presence of necrosis (p = 0.002). There was no association between c-kit expression and staging and biological markers. Transformed epithelial cells at me lymph nodes metastasis stained for ER, PR, Ki-67 and p53 in 27 (62.8%), 16 (37.5%), 41 (95.0%) and 28 cases (65.1%), respectively. Conclusions: The expression of c-kit is mostly negative in primary IDC both in the epithelial and stromal component, as well as in lymph node metastasis. The lack of correlation between c-kit and others tyrosine kinase proteins suggest that they are independently regulated. Metastasis for Iymph nodes were not c-kit positive and further studies of mutations of c-kit and his family, correlate with other prognostic factors and survival required to reveal the exact mechanism of action of this molecule in breast cancer.

Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão de c-kit em células epiteliais, estromais e metástases para linfonodos de carcinomas ductais mamários invasivos (CDI) e correlacionar essa variável com os outros marcadores clínicos, patológicos e biológicos (EGFR, HER-2, RE, RP, Ki-67 e p53). Métodos: Analisaram-se 80 CDI, estádios T2-T4 Nx Mx, em TMA de componente epitelial, estromal e linfonodos. O valor de p < 5% foi considerado significante. Resultados: A expressão de c-kit foi encontrada em 9 casos no componente epitelial (11,3%) e em 10 casos (12,5%) do componente estromal. As 43 amostras de metástases para linfonodos foram negativas. EGFR e Her-2 foram predominantemente negativos, tanto em epitélio (77,5% e 73,75%, respectivamente), como estroma (97,5% e 95,0%) e metástases para linfonodos (83,7% e 62,8%), enquanto RE, RP, Ki-67 e p53 foram positivos em 49 (61,0%), 40 (53,0%), 67 (83,75%) e 59 casos (73,75%) no componente epitelial. Células do estroma se mostraram negativas. A expressão de c-kit epitelial correlacionou-se com a presença do componente in situ (p = 0,044) e a expressão de c-kit no estroma se associou com a presença de necrose (p = 0,002). Não houve associação entre a expressão de c-kit com estadiamento e marcadores biológicos. Células epiteliais transformadas de metástases para linfonodos coraram para RE, RP, Ki-67 e p53 em 27 (62,8%), 16 (37,5%),41 (95,0%) e 28 casos (65,1%), respectivamente. Conclusões: A expressão de c-kit é majoritariamente negativa em CDI primário tanto no componente epitelial quanto no estromal, assim como em metástases linfonodais. A falta de correlação entre o c-kit e outras proteínas tirosina quinases sugere que elas sejam reguladas de forma independente. Metástases para linfonodos não foram positivas para c-kit, e estudos posteriores de mutações do c-kit e sua família, correlacionando com outros fatores prognósticos e sobrevida, são necessários para revelar o exato mecanismo de ação dessa molécula no câncer de mama.

Role of the expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor kit in invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast: a review

Given the necessity to research new variables that identify greater disease-free survival, through appropriate therapeutic intervention among patients of the same treatment subgroup, it is necessary to find promising candidates for prognostic factors in breast cancer. Among the tyrosine kinase receptors, we can mention the membrane receptor termed c-KIT, overexpressed in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Normal ductal breast cells and benign breast tissue highly express the c-KIT protein, while an accentuated reduction of same was observed in samples of breast cancer, varying from non-metastatic primary carcinomas to carcinomas with distant metastasis. The study analyses the literature specific to c-KIT protein expression in breast tumors, indicating that the immunohistochemical expression of c-KIT is mainly negative in stroma of primary breast neoplasms or not specifically cited, and with controversial results regarding the epithelial component. Subsequent studies of mutations of the proto-oncogene c-KIT and correlation with other prognostic factors and survival are necessary to reveal the exact action mechanism of this molecule in breast cancer.

Perineural invasion in aggressive skin carcinomas of the head and neck. Potentially dangerous but frequently overlooked.

INTRODUCTION: Perineural invasion is a well-recognized form of cancer dissemination. However, it has been reported only in few papers concerning cutaneous carcinomas (basal cell, BCC, and squamous cell, SCC). Moreover, the incidence is considered to be very low. Niazi and Lambert [Br J Plast Surg 1993;46:156-157] reported only 0.18% of perineural invasion among 3,355 BCCs. It is associated with high-risk subtypes, as morphea-like, as well as with an increased risk of local recurrence. No paper was found in the literature looking for perineural invasion in very aggressive skin cancers with skull base extension, with immunohistochemical analysis. METHODS: This is a retrospective review, including 35 very advanced skin carcinomas with skull base invasion (24 BCCs and 11 SCCs, operated on at a single institution from 1982 to 2000). Representative slides were immunohistochemically evaluated with antiprotein S-100, in order to enhance nerve fibers and to detect perineural invasion. The results were compared to 34 controls with tumors with a good outcome, treated in the same time frame at the same Institution. RESULTS: Twelve (50.0%) of the BCCs with skull base invasion had proven perineural invasion, as opposed to only 1 (4.6%) of the controls, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding SCCs, 7 aggressive tumors (63.6%) showed perineural invasion compared to only 1 (10.0%) of the controls, but this difference did not reach significance (p = 0.08), due to the small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, it was demonstrated that immunohistochemically detected perineural invasion was very prevalent in advanced skin carcinomas. In addition, it was statistically associated with extremely aggressive BCCs with skull base invasion.

Stromal and epithelial cells react differentially to c-kit in fibroepithelial tumors of the breast.

The CD117 protein is a tyrosine-kinase receptor encoded by the c-kit gene that frequently bears activating mutations in gastrointestinal tumors. Conflicting findings regarding CD117 expression in other stromal tumors, including phyllodes tumors (PTs), have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate c-kit expression in the stroma and epithelia of fibroepithelial breast tumors and its correlation with clinical pathological variables. Ninety-six fibroepithelial tumors of the breast, including 14 fibroadenomas (FAs), 12 juvenile FAs and 70 PTs, were classified according to stromal cellularity, atypia, epithelial hyperplasia, mitosis and borders into 45 benign (PTB), 17 borderline (PTBL) and 8 malignant (PTM) tumors. CD117 expression was identified in the stromal component in only two cases of PTBL. Overall, 38 cases (39.6%) showed positive CD117 in the epithelial component, including 20 FAs (10 regular, 10 juvenile) and 18 PTs (11 PTBs and 8 PTBLs). Other cases, including all PTMs, 6 FAs (4 regular, 2 juvenile), 34 PTBs and 10 PTBLs, showed no positivity in the epithelial component. Expression of c-kit did not correlate with diagnosis or malignancy (p>0.05). In conclusion, c-kit is expressed more often in the epithelial than in the stromal component in fibroepithelial tumors of the breast, and is associated with benign lesions.

C-erbB-2 expression is a better predictor for survival than galectin-3 or p53 in early-stage breast cancer.

The definition of high risk patients with early stage breast cancer is still controversial. We evaluated the ability of galectin-3, c-erbB-2 and p53 immunohistochemical expression to predict recurrence and survival in a homogeneous set of 92 patients with T1N0M0 ductal carcinoma with a long-term follow-up. In normal breast tissue, the epithelial and fibroblast components were positive for galectin-3 mostly showing nuclear and cytoplasmic reactivity. At the tumor epithelial component, galectin-3 expression was found in 46.7% of the samples with a predominant cytoplasmic staining. Similar results were presented by concurrent in situ lesions. Tumor stromal fibroblasts maintained positivity in 70 out of 92 cases (76%). We found expression of p53 in only 16 cases (17.4%), and c-erbB-2 in 17 (18.48%). A marginal association was found between co-expression of p53 and galectin-3 (p=0.055) and a significant correlation between p53 accumulation and c-erbB-2 expression (p=0.009). There was no significant association between galectin-3 protein expression with disease-free survival or overall survival. C-erbB2 and p53 expression correlated with recurrence (p=0.002, p=0.02; respectively). Diminished overall survival at 10 years was associated with c-erbB-2 (p=0.010), but marginally with p53 expression (p=0.076). Epithelial galectin-3 expression cannot be considered a prognostic factor for patients with T1N0M0 breast cancer, p53 seems to be of minor relevance and c-erbB-2 expression was the best discriminator and may be a marker for aggressive clinical behavior in patients with early stage breast cancer.

p53 and skin carcinomas with skull base invasion: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Some skin carcinomas may be very aggressive. Increased expression of the protein p53 has been associated with tumor aggressiveness. In this study, p53 expression was evaluated in basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) with skull base invasion, and was compared to tumors with good outcome. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Expression of p53 was immunohistochemically analyzed and it was reported as present or absent in 24 BCC and 11 SCC with skull base invasion. Control group (good outcome) included 23 BCC and 10 SCC. RESULTS: Expression of p53 was noted in 70.83% of BCC with skull base invasion, compared to 43.48% in the control group (P = 0.058). Regarding SCC, p53 positivity was noted in only 9.09% of SCC with skull base invasion, compared to 40.00% in the control group (P = 0.149). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, p53 expression was more common among BCC with skull base invasion, compared to controls with good outcome, and the difference was considered marginally significant. This proportion was reversed in SCC, but the difference was not statistically significant. EBM RATING: B-3b.

Evaluation of basement membrane status in aggressive skin carcinomas with skull base invasion: a case-control study.

Some skin carcinomas may be very aggressive. Breached of basement membrane (BM) has been in some situations associated with tumor aggressiveness. In this study, the status of BM in invasion was evaluated in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with skull base invasion, and it was compared with tumor's good outcome. Integrity or breached of BM was visualized using immunohistochemistry technique with anti-type IV collagen antibody. The pattern of BM was classified as intact, breached, or absent in 24 BCCs and 11 SCCs with skull base invasion. Control group (good outcome) included 23 BCCs and 10 SCCs. Breached BM and absence of BM were respectively noted in 33.33% and 45.83% of BCCs with skull base invasion, compared with 8.33% and 17.395% in the control group ( P < .001). Regarding SCCs, ruptured and absent BMs were, respectively, noted in 36.36% and 63.64% of BCCs with skull base invasion, compared with 30% and 30% in the control group ( P = .075). In this study, destruction of BM was significantly more common in BCCs with skull base invasion, in comparison with those with good outcome. In SCC, this difference was not statistically significant.

Angiogenesis and skin carcinomas with skull base invasion: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Some skin carcinomas may be very aggressive. Intensity of angiogenesis, measured by intratumoral vessel density using expression of CD34, has been associated with tumor aggressiveness. In this study, the expression of CD34 in basal cell carcinomas ( BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with skull base invasion was compared with that in tumors with good outcome. METHODS: Expression of CD34 was graded as mild, moderate, and intense, in 24 BCCs and 11 SCCs with skull base invasion. The control group included 23 BCCs and 10 SCCs. RESULTS: Intense expression of CD34 was noted in 25.00% of BCCs with skull base invasion, compared with 4.35% in the control group (p =.058). Regarding SCCs, intense expression of CD34 was found in 54.55% of aggressive tumors, compared with 10.00% in the control group (p =.133). CONCLUSIONS: A trend toward denser microvascular angiogenesis was observed in both BCCs and SCCs with skull base invasion compared with less aggressive controls.

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients as related to prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) is a negative growth regulator in keratinocytes, and in vitro studies lead to the concept that loss of TGFbeta1 responsiveness is a critical step in epithelial carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic relevance of TGFbeta1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: TGFbeta1 distribution was determined by immunohistochemistry in oral cavity/oropharynx (n = 79), larynx (n = 36) and hypopharynx (n = 25) tumors and in matched normal adjacent mucosa. TGFbeta-type I and II receptors were determined in 20 cases of differentiated oral cavity/hypopharynx tumors. Cases were considered positive if displaying reactivity in >10% of the cells. RESULTS: TGFbeta1-positive expression was found in 47.2% of larynx, 36.7% of oral cavity/oropharynx and in 24% of the hypopharynx tumors. Reactivity in >60% of the cells was displayed only by 11.4% of HNSCC. All normal controls were positive. TGFbeta1-positive expression did not correlate with clinico pathological parameters. An association with differentiation was verified only in oral cavity/oropharynx tumors (P