Expression and clinical significance of FPARγ and β-catenin in breast cancer

Objective To study the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and β-catenin in breast cancer, and their correlations with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Methods Tissue samples obtained from 70 patients with breast cancer and 20 patients with breast benign mass were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of PPARγ and p-catenin. Results Overexpression rate of PPARγ protein was 34. 3% in breast cancer, significantly lower than that in breast benign mass. Abnormal expression rate of β-catenin in breast cancer was 67. 1%. A significant negative-correlation was found between the expression of PPARγ and β-catenin (r=-0. 398,P<0.05 ). PPARγ expression was inversely associated with histologic grade, tumor size, axillary lymph node metastasis,TNM stage and Ki-67 expression (P<0. 05), while positively correlated with ER status and overall survival rate (P<0. 05). Abnormal β-catenin expression was positively associated with histologic grade, axillary lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0. 05), while inversely correlated with overall survival rate (P<0.05). Conclusion PPARγ and β-catenin are correlated with development of breast carcinoma,suggesting that detection of PPARγ and β-catenin may be of value in evaluating the biological behaviors and the prognosis of breast cancer.     

Expression and clinical significance of FPARγ and β-catenin in breast cancer

Objective To study the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and β-catenin in breast cancer, and their correlations with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Methods Tissue samples obtained from 70 patients with breast cancer and 20 patients with breast benign mass were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of PPARγ and p-catenin. Results Overexpression rate of PPARγ protein was 34. 3% in breast cancer, significantly lower than that in breast benign mass. Abnormal expression rate of β-catenin in breast cancer was 67. 1%. A significant negative-correlation was found between the expression of PPARγ and β-catenin (r=-0. 398,P<0.05 ). PPARγ expression was inversely associated with histologic grade, tumor size, axillary lymph node metastasis,TNM stage and Ki-67 expression (P<0. 05), while positively correlated with ER status and overall survival rate (P<0. 05). Abnormal β-catenin expression was positively associated with histologic grade, axillary lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0. 05), while inversely correlated with overall survival rate (P<0.05). Conclusion PPARγ and β-catenin are correlated with development of breast carcinoma,suggesting that detection of PPARγ and β-catenin may be of value in evaluating the biological behaviors and the prognosis of breast cancer.     

乳腺浸润性导管癌钼靶X线表现与腋窝淋巴结转移及p53蛋白表达的关系

Objective To investigate the relationship among the mammography signs, the axillary lymph node ( LN) metastasis, and the p53 expression of infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. Methods Mammography signs and axillary LN metastasis were analyzed in 72 cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect p53 expression in tumor specimens. The relationship among the mammography signs, the axillary LN metastasis and the p53 expression was assessed. Results The positive rate of p53 expression was 56. 7% in the patients with axillary LN metastasis, which was higher than 31.4% in the patients without axillary LN metastasis ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). The rate of axillary LN metastasis and p53 expression were 66. 7% and 70. 0% in the tumors larger than 2 cm, 56. 4% and 66. 7% in the tumors with more vascular signs, 28. 6% and 38. 1% in the tumors less than 2 cm, 30. 3% and 33. 3% in the tumors with normal vascular signs (P ＜0. 01) , respectively. The rate of axillary LN metastasis in the patients with spinulation was 70. 8% , which was higher than 41.1% of patients without spinulation (P ＜0.05). Conclusion Mammography signs of breast cancer can evaluate the axillary LN metastasis and p53 expression, and also can provide objective reference for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of breast carcinoma.     

乳腺浸润性导管癌钼靶X线表现与腋窝淋巴结转移及p53蛋白表达的关系

Objective To investigate the relationship among the mammography signs, the axillary lymph node ( LN) metastasis, and the p53 expression of infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. Methods Mammography signs and axillary LN metastasis were analyzed in 72 cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect p53 expression in tumor specimens. The relationship among the mammography signs, the axillary LN metastasis and the p53 expression was assessed. Results The positive rate of p53 expression was 56. 7% in the patients with axillary LN metastasis, which was higher than 31.4% in the patients without axillary LN metastasis ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). The rate of axillary LN metastasis and p53 expression were 66. 7% and 70. 0% in the tumors larger than 2 cm, 56. 4% and 66. 7% in the tumors with more vascular signs, 28. 6% and 38. 1% in the tumors less than 2 cm, 30. 3% and 33. 3% in the tumors with normal vascular signs (P ＜0. 01) , respectively. The rate of axillary LN metastasis in the patients with spinulation was 70. 8% , which was higher than 41.1% of patients without spinulation (P ＜0.05). Conclusion Mammography signs of breast cancer can evaluate the axillary LN metastasis and p53 expression, and also can provide objective reference for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of breast carcinoma.     

雌、孕激素受体和Her-2阴性乳腺癌的临床病理特征

Objective To study the clinicopathologic characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its value in the prediction of prognosis. Method In this study,500 cases of female breast cancers were examined immunohistochcmically for the TNBC. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the 243 TNBC cases were inspected. Results TNBC accounted for 17.6% (88/500) of the 500 breast cancers. The histological types of the TNBC included mainly infihrative ductal carcinoma, metaplastic carcinoma and medullar carcinoma. Among those, histological grade Ⅲ accounted for 72.7% (64/88) of all the TNBC and was more common than that in hormone receptor positive breast cancers (HR+ group ) and Her-2 overexpression breast cancers (Her-2 group)(P=0.000). The positive rates of CK5/6 and EGFR in the TNBC were 30.7% (27/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively. The positive rates of ERCC1 and KIT in the TNBC were 28.4% (25/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively, Both of which were higher than those in the HR + group and Her-2 group, respectively (P=0.032 and P=0.026). 3-year survival rate of the TNBC was 71.5% and it was lower than that of HR group (P=0.021) and not significantly different from that of Her-2 group (P=0.474). Conclusions TNBC is the breast cancer with high aggressive pathologic futures and poor prognosis. EGFR and ERCC1 expression were positive in a portion of TNBC cases.     

雌、孕激素受体和Her-2阴性乳腺癌的临床病理特征

Objective To study the clinicopathologic characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its value in the prediction of prognosis. Method In this study,500 cases of female breast cancers were examined immunohistochcmically for the TNBC. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the 243 TNBC cases were inspected. Results TNBC accounted for 17.6% (88/500) of the 500 breast cancers. The histological types of the TNBC included mainly infihrative ductal carcinoma, metaplastic carcinoma and medullar carcinoma. Among those, histological grade Ⅲ accounted for 72.7% (64/88) of all the TNBC and was more common than that in hormone receptor positive breast cancers (HR+ group ) and Her-2 overexpression breast cancers (Her-2 group)(P=0.000). The positive rates of CK5/6 and EGFR in the TNBC were 30.7% (27/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively. The positive rates of ERCC1 and KIT in the TNBC were 28.4% (25/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively, Both of which were higher than those in the HR + group and Her-2 group, respectively (P=0.032 and P=0.026). 3-year survival rate of the TNBC was 71.5% and it was lower than that of HR group (P=0.021) and not significantly different from that of Her-2 group (P=0.474). Conclusions TNBC is the breast cancer with high aggressive pathologic futures and poor prognosis. EGFR and ERCC1 expression were positive in a portion of TNBC cases.     

雌、孕激素受体和Her-2阴性乳腺癌的临床病理特征

Objective To study the clinicopathologic characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its value in the prediction of prognosis. Method In this study,500 cases of female breast cancers were examined immunohistochcmically for the TNBC. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the 243 TNBC cases were inspected. Results TNBC accounted for 17.6% (88/500) of the 500 breast cancers. The histological types of the TNBC included mainly infihrative ductal carcinoma, metaplastic carcinoma and medullar carcinoma. Among those, histological grade Ⅲ accounted for 72.7% (64/88) of all the TNBC and was more common than that in hormone receptor positive breast cancers (HR+ group ) and Her-2 overexpression breast cancers (Her-2 group)(P=0.000). The positive rates of CK5/6 and EGFR in the TNBC were 30.7% (27/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively. The positive rates of ERCC1 and KIT in the TNBC were 28.4% (25/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively, Both of which were higher than those in the HR + group and Her-2 group, respectively (P=0.032 and P=0.026). 3-year survival rate of the TNBC was 71.5% and it was lower than that of HR group (P=0.021) and not significantly different from that of Her-2 group (P=0.474). Conclusions TNBC is the breast cancer with high aggressive pathologic futures and poor prognosis. EGFR and ERCC1 expression were positive in a portion of TNBC cases.     

雌、孕激素受体和Her-2阴性乳腺癌的临床病理特征

Objective To study the clinicopathologic characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its value in the prediction of prognosis. Method In this study,500 cases of female breast cancers were examined immunohistochcmically for the TNBC. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the 243 TNBC cases were inspected. Results TNBC accounted for 17.6% (88/500) of the 500 breast cancers. The histological types of the TNBC included mainly infihrative ductal carcinoma, metaplastic carcinoma and medullar carcinoma. Among those, histological grade Ⅲ accounted for 72.7% (64/88) of all the TNBC and was more common than that in hormone receptor positive breast cancers (HR+ group ) and Her-2 overexpression breast cancers (Her-2 group)(P=0.000). The positive rates of CK5/6 and EGFR in the TNBC were 30.7% (27/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively. The positive rates of ERCC1 and KIT in the TNBC were 28.4% (25/88) and 34.1% (30/88), respectively, Both of which were higher than those in the HR + group and Her-2 group, respectively (P=0.032 and P=0.026). 3-year survival rate of the TNBC was 71.5% and it was lower than that of HR group (P=0.021) and not significantly different from that of Her-2 group (P=0.474). Conclusions TNBC is the breast cancer with high aggressive pathologic futures and poor prognosis. EGFR and ERCC1 expression were positive in a portion of TNBC cases.     

Expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Normal and Neoplastic Cells

Current evidence strongly supports a role forthe breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, in both normal development and carcinogenesis.Valuable clues regarding the function of these genes have been garnered through studies of theirpatterns of expression. A central feature of the in vivopattern of BRCA1 and BRCA2 expression is that each ofthese putative tumor suppressor genes is expressed at maximal levels in rapidly proliferatingcells. This feature is consistent with in vitroobservations that BRCA1 and BRCA2 are expressed in acell cycle-dependent manner. This feature is also wellillustrated during mammary gland development wherein theexpression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 is induced in rapidlyproliferating cellular compartments undergoingdifferentiation, such as terminal end buds duringpuberty and developing alveoli during pregnancy.Strikingly, the spatial and temporal patterns of BRCA1and BRCA2 expression are virtually indistinguishableduring embryonic development and in multiple adulttissues despite the fact that these genes areunrelated. These observations have contributed to theemerging hypothesis that these genes function in similarregulatory pathways.     

Functional Domains of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Proteins

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes encode large unrelatedproteins that presumably function as tumor suppressorsin normal epithelial cells of the breast. However, theprimary amino acid sequences of these proteins provide few insights into the mechanisms bywhich BRCA1 and BRCA2 inhibit tumor development.Nevertheless, recent studies have uncovered manysimilarities in the biological properties of BRCA1 andBRCA2, raising the prospect that these proteins mayfunction in a common pathway of tumor suppression andthat inactivation of either gene may represent anequivalent step in the development of breast cancer. Several lines of evidence now suggest a rolefor BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the cellular response to DNAdamage, possibly by virtue of their relationship withproteins required for the recombinational repair of double-strand DNA breaks. Accordingly, the lossof BRCA1 or BRCA2 function might accelerate tumordevelopment by allowing cells to accumulate DNA lesionsthat are potentially oncogenic.     

BRCA mutation characteristics in a series of index cases of breast cancer selected independent of family history

Certain genetic predisposition factors, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations play a pivotal role in familial breast cancer development in both males and females. Due to this, the importance and necessity of genetic screening to identify mutations affecting the population is paramount. Undergoing genetic screenings allows for a more knowledgeable risk assessment for the patients and their care providers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutated genes in the Turkish population among unselected patients. To identify the molecular markers, we utilized a gene panel analysis consisting of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, with a next generation sequencing platform (MiSeq System, Illumina). Sequencing was performed using leukocyte DNA from breast cancer patients. In‐silico analysis for novel mutations was carried out using SIFT, PolyPhen2 and MutationTaster. BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants were identified in 18 of 129 (14%) patients among the study population; of those 18 patients, seven (39%) were found in the BRCA1 gene and 11 (61%) in the BRCA2 gene. Ten of the eleven BRCA2 variants (90%) were novel mutations. Four of ten (40%) of the novel mutations were determined to be deleterious and six out of ten (60%) were identified as single nucleotide variations. Clinically significant mutations of the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes are related to an increased susceptibility for breast cancer. There is however, little known about BRCA mutations amongst the general population. Thus, it is important that patients are able to undergo genetic screenings and counseling. This also allows for greater care from health care providers and can only facilitate disease prevention which in turn can lead to a decreased cancer morbidity rate.     

Awareness and attitudes concerning BRCA gene testing

Background: The availability of a commercial test for the breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, has generated interest in both the medical community and the general public. Methods: Patients and family members were approached in the waiting room and asked to fill out an anonymous questionnaire about their awareness of breast cancer genes and breast cancer gene testing, and their desire to be tested. ² analysis was used to analyze frequencies between groups. Results: A total of 354 women completed a questionnaire concerning the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. The very young, the very old, and African-Americans were the least informed in terms of awareness of the genes and the availability of testing for the breast cancer susceptibility genes. Jewish people, people with a college education or beyond, people earning more than $30,000 a year, and Caucasians were more aware of the genes and of testing for these genes. Interest in being tested was similar in all groups, except for participants over 60 and those who had only an elementary-school education. Conclusions: Information concerning the breast cancer susceptibility genes has not reached the general public uniformly. A concerted effort is needed if this information is to be passed on to those people at risk.Poster presented at the 50th Annual Cancer Symposium of The Society of Surgical Oncology, Chicago, Illinois, March 17–21, 1997.     

The prevalence of germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in young women with breast cancer undergoing breast-conservation therapy

BACKGROUND: Germline mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk for breast cancer. Mutation carriers selecting breast-conservation therapy (BCT) for treatment of operable breast cancer experience a higher rate of new primary breast cancers. We sought to determine the frequency of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations in women who underwent BCT. Genetic testing results were compared with the prior probability of mutations in either gene. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients age 39 or younger entered the study. Genetic testing was performed for BRCA1 and BRCA2 and the BRCAPRO model determined the probability of carrying a mutation. RESULTS: Eight mutations were discovered (prevalence, 9.0%). Twenty (22%) uncharacterized sequence variants were found. The prior probability of carrying a mutation was 14%. Mutation carriers had a higher prior probability (.49) compared with women with uncharacterized variants (.09) or with normal genes (.11). CONCLUSIONS: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are common (9%) among unselected young breast cancer patients undergoing BCT.     

RAD51 135G／C单核苷酸多态与中国汉族家族性乳腺癌BRCA基因突变频率的分析

目的探讨RAD51 135G／C单核苷酸多态与中国汉族家族性乳腺癌人群BRCA基因突变的关系。方法本研究检测了200例汉族家族性乳腺癌先证者的BRCA基因的胚系突变，并对患者的RAD51 135G／C单核苷酸多态进行基因型分析。结果在200例先证者中检测到31例BRCA基因的突变，15例发生在BRCA1基因上，16例发生在BRCA2基因上。RAD51次等位基因c的分布频率在BRCA1突变者、BRCA2突变者和无突变者中相似。尽管RAD51 135GC／CC在BRCA1突变携带者中呈现出更高的频率，但与BRCA2突变携带者相比。差别无显著意义。结论RAD51 135G／C单核苷酸多态不能反映中国汉族乳腺癌人群BRCA基因突变的状态。     

The role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in prostate cancer

One of the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer is a family history of the disease. Germline mutations in the breast cancer predisposition gene 2 (BRCA2) are the genetic events known to date that confer the highest risk of prostate cancer (8.6-fold in men ≤65 years). Although the role of BRCA2 and BRCA1 in prostate tumorigenesis remains unrevealed, deleterious mutations in both genes have been associated with more aggressive disease and poor clinical outcomes. The increasing incidence of prostate cancer worldwide supports the need for new methods to predict outcome and identify patients with potentially lethal forms of the disease. As we present here, BRCA germline mutations, mainly in the BRCA2 gene, are one of those predictive factors. We will also discuss the implications of these mutations in the management of prostate cancer and hypothesize on the potential for the development of strategies for sporadic cases with similar characteristics.     

Effects of chemotherapy on contralateral breast cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: A nationwide cohort study

AimBRCA1/2 mutation carriers with primary breast cancer (PBC) are at high risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC). In a nationwide cohort, we investigated the effects of chemotherapeutic agents given for PBC on CBC risk separately in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.Patients and methodsBRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers with an invasive PBC diagnosis from 1990 to 2017 were selected from a Dutch cohort. We estimated cumulative CBC incidence using competing risks analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) for the effect of neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and different chemotherapeutic agents on CBC risk were estimated using Cox regression.ResultsWe included 1090 BRCA1 and 568 BRCA2 mutation carriers; median follow-up was 8.9 and 8.4 years, respectively. Ten-year cumulative CBC incidence for treatment with and without chemotherapy was 6.7% [95%CI: 5.1–8.6] and 16.7% [95%CI: 10.8–23.7] in BRCA1 and 4.8% [95%CI: 2.7–7.8] and 16.0% [95%CI: 9.3–24.4] in BRCA2 mutation carriers, respectively. Chemotherapy was associated with reduced CBC risk in BRCA1 (multivariable HR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.29–0.74); a similar trend was observed in BRCA2 mutation carriers (HR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.29–1.39). In BRCA1, risk reduction was most pronounced in the first 5 years (HR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.17–0.61). Anthracyclines and the combination of anthracyclines with taxanes were associated with substantial CBC risk reduction in BRCA1 carriers (HR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.17–0.68 and HR: 0.22, 95%CI: 0.08–0.62, respectively).ConclusionRisk-reducing effects of chemotherapy are substantial for at least 5 years and may be used in personalised CBC risk prediction in any case for BRCA1 mutation carriers.