The observed aberrant methylation frequencies of the RASSF1A and APC gene promoters indicate that an accumulation of epigenetic events at these specific TSG promoters may be associated with the malignant transformation of benign cystadenomas and LMP tumours to carcinomas.
We report a case of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma in a thirteen year old girl who presented with a tender swelling in the left upper back. The tumor consisted of varying proportions of inflammatory, myxoid and hyalinized areas. Large bizarre cells with virocyte like inclusions and lipoblast like cells were present. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma of the back, the extremities being the commonest site of involvement. Due to its varied histologic appearance, the tumor should be differentiated from various benign and malignant soft tissue lesions.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and Ki-67, as well as the promoter methylation of E-cadherin gene in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), as well as to find a possible relationship between the immunoexpression and hypermethylation. Promoter methylation was studied using methylation-specific PCR in 86 malignant cases, 14 low malignant potential (LMP) tumors and 19 benign cystadenomas. Immunohistochemical expression was carried out in 64 malignant cases, 8 LMP tumors, and 11 benign cystadenomas. Immunoexpression of E-cadherin was reduced in EOC, while 100 % expression was seen in LMP tumors and benign cystadenomas. An interesting observation was the nuclear expression of E-cadherin in a high percentage of cancers, which showed a positive correlation with Ki-67. Β-Catenin expression showed heterogeneous localization with increased nuclear localization, which was significantly higher in cases that did not express E-cadherin. Promoter methylation of E-cadherin was 36, 14, and 11 % in EOC, LMP tumors, and benign cystadenomas, respectively. Our results suggest that reduced expression of E-cadherin is associated with promoter methylation of E-cadherin gene, in addition to providing evidence for the aberrant nuclear localization of E-cadherin in EOC.
The role of defective mismatch repair (MMR) system in ovarian carcinoma is not well defined. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between microsatellite instability (MSI), promoter methylation and protein expression of MMR genes in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). MSI and promoter methylation of MLH1, MSH2 and PMS2 genes were studied using PCR methods in the study cohort. A small subset of samples was used to analyze the protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). MSI was observed in >60% of tumor samples and 47% of normal ovaries. MLH1 was methylated in 37.5% and 64.3% EOCs and LMP tumors. The loss of immunoexpression of MMR genes was not seen in ovarian tumors. There was no correlation between MSI, promoter methylation and protein expression of the MMR genes suggesting that each may function independently. MSI is a common event in ovarian carcinoma and may increase the clinical awareness of the subset of tumors.
Aim:The aim of the study was to analyze the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) status over 7 years in South Indian women with breast cancer. Further analysis of a subgroup was done to study clinically defined subtypes and the role of preanalytical factors in needle core biopsies (NCBs) and excised specimens.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2016. Patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and available immunohistochemistry (IHC) reports of ER, PR, and HER2 status were analyzed. The cases for the year 2016 were analyzed further to observe the impact of preanalytical factors on the IHC staining patterns and surrogate status.Results:A total of 5436 patients were included with a median age of 48 years. Among these, 65% were ≤ 55 years. The overall incidence of hormone receptor (HR)-positive patients was 48%; HER2 positive, 15%; and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), 37%. The incidence of HR positive, HER2 positive, and TNBC were 45%, 16%, and 39% and 53%, 13%, and 34% in patients <56 years and over 55 years, respectively (P < 0.001). There was an increase in HR positivity and decrease in TNBCs over time. There was no significant difference in the staining patterns in NCBs and excised specimens.Conclusion:With time, there is an increase in hormone-positive tumors which may be attributed to better IHC techniques and tissue handling. There was no statistical difference in the patterns of ER, PR, and HER2 immunostaining in core biopsy and excised specimens.
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