Albert C. Broders' Paradigm Shifts Involving the Prognostication and Definition of Cancer

Abstract

Historians recognize that science progresses through a series of paradigm shifts. Most clinician-scientists, even those at the very top of their fields, never make a discovery so dramatic that it changes their field forever. In the 1920s and 1930s, Albert C. Broders published 2 observations that forever changed cancer diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment.

The Role of Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer: Extracellular Matrix Versus Paracrine Factors

“…Tumor location, extent, and closest distances to the resection margins were documented. Pathologic reports comprised the macroscopic specimen description; diagnosis according to World Health Organization classification [14]; tumor grade according to Broders' classical grading system [15], [16]; tumor stage according to the Union for international Cancer Control (pTNM); and microscopic status of the duodenal/gastric, jejunal, bilary and mesopancreatic resection margin (R0/R+). If there were concerns regarding margin or tumor-suspicious cells, additional pan-cytokeratin immunostaining was performed.…”

Concepts and misconceptions regarding clinical staging models

“…We have been involved in some of the longitudinal highrisk studies of young people at risk for bipolar disorder. [1][2][3] These studies, among others, described early stages of the illness and their comorbidities 4 as well as neuropsychological function ing 5 and structural brain findings. 6 Based on these studies as well as on observations of other authors, we be lieve that the point of heterogeneity of bipolar disorder and the need to sepa rate it from the concept of uniformly progressing illness are equally applica ble in the early stages as in the latter ones.…”

“…This is commonly observed in general medicine, where obesity may be a precursor to diabetes, and obesity and hypertension may be comorbid with each other while also being pre cursors to heart disease. 5,6 Similarly, bipolarspectrum features (e.g., brief hypomania) may be a persistent dis ease pattern in older adults, yet when occurring in young people they may reflect a more dynamic state, repre senting an early stage of an illness tra jectory; studies have demonstrated that about 20% of such cases progress to mania within 12-18 months. 7 Furthermore, Alda and Kapczinski state that insufficient data exist to judge whether earlier treatments have better risk:benefit ratios than later ones.…”

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Support for the American Expeditionary Forces by the US Army Medical Corps During World War I

“…14(p694) Wilson's approach must represent one of the earliest uses of a ''physician report card.' ' Wilson, coming from the Mayo Clinic where he had created a strong tradition in surgical pathology in which all specimens were examined, 11,[15][16][17][18] was frustrated that this was not the case in the AEF. In some of his laboratories, Wilson noted 14 …”