DigitalUM :: Browsing by Subject "Breast cancer"

Browsing by Subject "Breast cancer"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 100

Open Access
A low nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio of VDR expression is an independent prognostic marker in breast cancer
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Histología e Histopatología, 2025) Schubert Charlotte; Vilsmaier Theresa; Batz Falk; Cavaillès Vincent; Sixou Sophie; Kolben Thomas; Meister Sarah; Buschmann Christina; Hagemann Friederike; Biología Celular e Histología
The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the prognostic value of cytoplasmic versus nuclear expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in breast cancer (BC) tissue samples and to relate the results to clinicopathological parameters. VDR expression was assessed in 319 primary breast cancer patients using the Remmele and Stegner immunoreactive scoring (IRS) system. Follow-up data were obtained from the Munich Cancer Registry. The correlation with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Correlation analysis revealed a correlation between nuclear VDR expression and improved outcomes for both OS (p=0.004) and DFS (p=0.001). Conversely, cytoplasmic VDR expression was significantly associated with a shorter OS (p=0.003) and DFS (p<0.001). Additionally, both cytoplasmic and nuclear VDR expression were found to be independent markers of DFS (p<0.001; p=0.021) when examined alongside clinicopathological parameters. Moreover, nuclear VDR expression was positively associated with lower lymph node invasion (pN; p=0.01). For triple-negative patients, cytoplasmic VDR expression was found to have a significant inverse correlation with DFS (p<0.001). Lastly, the ratio of VDR nuclear/cytoplasmic was identified as an auxiliary independent marker of DFS and OS. These findings strongly indicate that the subcellular localization of VDR is crucial in determining BC prognosis. The expression of nuclear VDR appears to have a protective effect, while cytoplasmic VDR is associated with a more aggressive disease course. The data may help identify subgroups of patients with high-risk BC, possibly leading to specific options for targeted tumor therapy
Open Access
A nuclear function for the tumor suppressor BRCAI
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2000) Monteiro A.N.A.; Birge, R.B.
The breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCAl has been recently cloned and revealed an open reading frame of 1863 amino acids, but a lack of significant homology to any known protein in the database has led to few clues about its functions. One of the first steps to investigate the function of BRCAl was to define its subcellular localization. Several reports have led to contradictory findings that include: nuclear localization in normal cells and cytoplasmic in breast and ovarian cancer cells; nuclear in both normal and cancer cells; cytoplasmic and secreted to the extracellular space; present in tube-like invaginations of the nucleus; and colocalizing with the centrosome. As is apparent, the subcellular localization has been the most controversial aspect of BRCAl biology and is a key point to uncover its functions. In this paper we review the published data on subcellular localization of BRCAl with special emphasis on the antibodies and techniques used. We conclude that there is now overwhelming evidence to support a nuclear localization for BRCAl, both in normal and cancer cells. In addition, several BRCAl-interacting proteins have been isolated and they are preferentially located in the nucleus. Evidence supporting a physiological function for BRCAl during DNA repair and transcriptional activation is also discussed.
Open Access
A psychophysiological approach to fear appeals. Autonomic, subjective and behavioral responses to health promotion messages
(2021) Gómez Amor, Jesús; González Javier, Francisca; Ordoñana Martín, Juan Ramón
Se diseñó un estudio para analizar los efectos que tienen las apelaciones al miedo sobre las respuestas psicofisiológicas, subjetivas y conductuales en la población diana. Para ello, se presentaron, a 98 mujeres de 49-50 años de edad, tres mensajes sobre el cáncer de mama promoviendo la realización de mamografía regularmente. Los mensajes fueron elaborados de manera similar a los utilizados por los programas de promoción de la salud. Los tres tenían la misma longitud, formato y estructura, pero variaban en determinadas claves que diferenciaban su carácter (Amenaza, Sorpresa y Estándar/control). Durante la exposición a estos mensajes, se registraron, de manera continua, las respuestas psicofisiológicas (frecuencia cardíaca y frecuencia de respuestas electrodérmicas inespecíficas). Después de ver los estímulos, se tomaron medidas de autoinforme y de personalidad (STAI y EPQ-A). Se encontraron respuestas significativas a los mensajes para todas las medidas psicofisiológicas. Independientemente del mensaje presentado, el patrón de respuesta psicofisiológica se relacionó significativamente con la conducta preventiva de detección del cáncer.
Open Access
Advances in the knowledge of breast cancer stem cells. A review
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2016) Schwarz-Cruz y Celis, Angela; Espinosa, Magali; Maldonado, Vilma; Melendez-Zajgla, Jorge
Much effort has been made by researchers to elucidate the complex biology of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), a small subset of breast tumor cells that display stem cell properties, drive tumor initiation, and growth. In recent years, it has been suggested that BCSCs could be responsible for the process of metastasis and the development of drug resistance. These findings make the need to find the distinguishing blend of markers that can recognize only BCSCs of the utmost importance in order to be able to design new targeted therapies. This review will summarize BCSCs’ main features as well as the cell surface markers that are currently used to identify them.
Open Access
Advances of MUC1 as a target for breast cancer immunotherapy
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2007) Yang, E.; Hu, X.F.; Xing, P.X.
MUC1 is a potential target in breast cancer immunotherapy as MUC1 is overexpressed in breast cancer, and is absent or expressed in low level in normal mammary gland. In addition, MUC1 is mostly aberrantly underglycosylated in cancer and the antigens on the cancer surface are different from normal cell. Therefore targeting MUC1 for cancer immunotherapy can exploit the difference between cancer and normal cells, and eliminating the cancerous cells while leaving the normal mammary cells unharmed. This review will focus on the recent advance of MUC1 breast cancer immunotherapy currently being investigated.
Open Access
AgNOR and breast cancer. A study by image analysis
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Ronco, A.; Larran, J.; Lopez, A.; Vilches, J.
The nucleolar organizer regions are used as a new marker in proliferation cell. AgNOR are loops of DNA actively transcribing to ribosomal RNA and they are associated with nonhistone proteins with strong argyrophile. In the present study we correlated the relationships between number and size of AgNOR measured by an automatic image analysis using CAS- 100, in eleven breast carcinomas in different clinical stages and histological grades. We could identify the AgNOR with silver stain; the relationship between the numberlsize and histological gradelclinical stage shows that in normal breast we find one or two AgNOR but this number is larger when the carcinomas are less differentiated. When studied, the size is larger in the normal breast. We can make the same conclusions with the carcinomas which are lymph-node +.
Open Access
Apocrine carcinoma of the breast: A comprehensive review
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2013) Vranic, Semir; Schmitt, Fernando; Sapino2, Anna; Costa, José Luis; Reddy, Sandeep; Castro, Michael; Gatalica5, Zoran
Apocrine carcinoma of the breast is a rare, special type of breast carcinoma showing distinct morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic features. Apocrine epithelium has a characteristic steroid receptor profile that is estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor negative and androgen receptor positive. This combination of morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics is essential for the proper recognition of the apocrine carcinomas. Strictly defined, apocrine carcinomas express either Her-2/neu or EGFR, which along with androgen receptor positivity make patients with the apocrine carcinoma eligible for targeted therapies.
Open Access
Arteria1 microvascularization and breast cancer colonization in bone
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1997) Yoneda, T.
Bone is one of the most preferential target organs of cancer metastases. Breast, prostate and lung cancers have a special predilection for colonization in bone. In an animal model in which inoculation of cancer cells into the left cardiac ventricle selectively develops osteolytic bone metastases but rarely forms metastases in non-bone organs, the pattern of breast cancer colonization in bone was studied radiologically and histologically. Colonization of cancer cells in bone was found to initiate and develop along with or at the terminal end of the major arteries running into bone. It should, therefore, be re-recognized that the anatomical vasculature still remains as a critica1 factor which influences cancer colonization in bone in addition to cellular and molecular properties of the bone microenvironment and metastatic cancer cells.
Open Access
La asistencia de la enfermera en la visión de mujeres mastectomizadas
(Murcia : Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia, 2012) Pereira Mendes, AB.; Da Costa Lindolpho, M.; Pinto Leite, A.
El trabajo relata la experiencia de mujeres que tuvieron cáncer de mama y fueron sometidas a mastectomía, recibiendo la asistencia de las enfermeras y de sus auxiliares. Los objetivos fueron: identificar las expectativas de las mujeres que se sometieron a la mastectomía en relación al cuidado de la enfermera y cómo estas mujeres percibían la asistencia que les fue prestada. Consiste en una investigación descriptiva, del modelo de estudio de caso, cualitativa, utilizando encuesta directa con nueve mujeres de un grupo de apoyo a mujeres mastectomizadas, en Niterói – RJ - Brasil. Fueron identificadas las expectativas relativas a la enfermera: que deberá tener capacidad y conocimiento técnico, además de comprender el momento vivido por ellas. En cuanto a la actuación de las enfermeras, ellas relataron que éstas aclararon sus dudas y fueron esenciales en el posoperatorio, realizaron procedimientos técnicos y dieron apoyo emocional. Se evidenció que la asistencia de enfermería, tanto relativa a la enfermera como a sus auxiliares, presentó una manera distinta con respecto a la institución. En la especializada, enfermera con función clara y definida; en la general, con función no definida.
Open Access
Assessment of estrogen receptor low positive status in breast cancer: Implications for pathologists and oncologists
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2021) Fusco, Nicola; Ragazzi, Moira; Sajjadi, Elham; Venetis, Konstantinos; Piciotti, Roberto; Morganti, Stefania; Santandrea, Giacomo; Fanelli, Giuseppe Nicolò; Despini, Luca; Invernizzi, Marco; Cerbelli, Bruna; Scatena, Cristian; Criscitiello, Carmen
Estrogen receptor (ER) status assessment by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the gold standard test for the identification of patients with breast cancer who may benefit from endocrine therapy (ET). Whilst most ER+ breast cancers have a high IHC score, about 3% of cases display a low positivity, with 1% to 10% of cells being weakly stained. These tumors are generally classified within the luminal-like category; however, their risk profile seems to be more similar to that of ERnegative breast cancers. The decision on ET for patients with a diagnosis of ER-low breast cancer should be carefully considered in light of the risks and possible benefits of the treatment. Potential pitfalls hinder pathologists and oncologists from establishing an appropriate threshold for "low positivity". Furthermore, several pre-analytical and analytical variables might trouble the pathological identification of these clinically challenging cases. In this review, we sought to discuss the adversities that can be accounted for the pathological identification of ER-low breast cancers in real-world clinical practice, and to provide practical suggestions for the perfect ER testing in light of the most updated recommendations and guidelines.
Open Access
Beneficios del ejercicio y/o actividad física en los cinco tipos de cáncer con mayor incidencia y mortalidad a nivel mundial: Una revisión narrativa
(Universidad de Murcia, Servicio de Publicaciones, 2023) Fuentes-Nuñez, Javier; Olivares-Gómez, Carelia; Farías-Valenzuela, Claudio; Poblete-Aro, Carlos; Alvarez-Arangua, Sebastián; Ferrero-Hernández, Paloma
Esta revisión tiene como objetivo declarar los beneficios del ejercicio físico y/o la actividad física en los cinco tipos de cáncer con mayor tasa mortalidad en el mundo. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos: Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo (Latinoamérica) y Medline. Los términos usados para la búsqueda fueron: “cáncer de pulmón”, “cáncer de hígado”, “cáncer de mama”, “cáncer de estómago”, “cáncer de colon”, “ejercicio físico”, “actividad física”, “ejercicio de resistencia” y “ejercicio aeróbico”. El ejercicio físico y la actividad física han demostrado beneficios tanto en variables morfológicas, metabólicas y psicológicas, teniendo un impacto positivo en el aumento de la funcionalidad, esperanza de vida y calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer. El ejercicio aeróbico demostró mayores beneficios en el consumo de oxígeno, además de una alta adherencia, mientras que el entrenamiento de fuerza en una mayor capacidad específicamente en los miembros inferiores.
Open Access
BRCA1 expression and molecular alterations in familial breast cancer
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2009) Mangia, Anita; Chiriatti, Annalisa; Tommasi, Stefania; Menolascina, Filippo; Petroni, Stella; Zito, Francesco A.; Simone, Giovanni; Schittulli, Francesco; Paradiso, Angelo
The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of immunohistochemical MS110 expression in a series of familial and sporadic breast cancer patients. An immunohistochemical study was performed on TMA samples from 93 sporadic and 94 familial breast cancer patients with (7/94) and without BRCA1 germline mutations. BRCA1 protein expression level was evaluated using the monoclonal MS110 antibody. Immunohistochemistry, performed on TMA samples, showed positive nuclear staining for BRCA1 in 34 sporadic and 37 familial breast tumours, respectively. All the tumours from patients carrying BRCA1 mutations showed complete loss of both BRCA1 and ERa expression, regardless of the type of mutation. The percentage of MS110 positive cases was significantly lower in mutated versus wild type BRCA1 familial cases (p=0.02) while the percentage of patients with higher ERa expression was significantly lower in BRCA1- mutated versus BRCA1-wild type familial patients (p=0.05). Interestingly, the presence of the E1038G polymorphism in BRCA1 exon 11 was significantly associated with protein expression (p=0.029). The frequency of MS110 negative cases also detected in BRCA1-wild type tumours, points to the inability of the BRCA1 IHC expression in discriminating between familial and sporadic breast cancer.
Open Access
Cáncer de mama y maternidad
(Murcia : Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia, 2011) Blanco Sánchez, R.
Objetivos. Analizar cómo afecta a las mujeres con cáncer de mama (CM) la ausencia de maternidad después del tratamiento. Analizar los significados de una menopausia precoz tras el tratamiento del (CM). Antecedentes. La asociación (CM) y gestación tiene importancia por el aumento de la incidencia de éste en mujeres entre 30 y 40 años. La infertilidad afecta al 18,5% de las parejas, siendo el 40% de las situaciones debidas a la mujer, el 40 % al hombre y el 20 % debido a ambos o a causas desconocidas. Metodología. Cualitativa Fenomenológica. Se llevaron a cabo 30 entrevista en profundidad (a 29 mujeres, 1 hombre) en los servicios específicos del Hospital Vall d’Hebron; y ginecología del Centro de Atención Primaria de Salud La Mina de Barcelona. El rango de edad era entre 20 y 69 años. Resultados/ Discusión. Los temas de mayor relevancia: Mujeres que no han tenido hijos antes del cáncer de mama, es un problema renunciar a la maternidad. Gestación y cáncer de mama. Mujeres sin hijos y sin problemas de maternidad. Menopausia: Ausencia de maternidad y tratamiento de quimioterapia. Lactancia materna, prevención del cáncer de mama: mito o realidad. Conclusiones. Las mujeres en edad fértil con cáncer de mama que no han tenido hijos manifiestan ansiedad ante la incógnita en la que están, si podrán o no tenerlos, aspecto importante para las jóvenes que han sufrido una mastectomía, quimioterapia y radioterapia que en muchas ocasiones les ha provocado una menopausia precoz.
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Cáncer neuroendocrino de mama, presentación de un caso y técnicas diagnósticas
(Elsevier, 2023-08-02) Merlos-Martínez, María Isabel; Martínez Díaz, Francisco; Huelbes Ros, Alejandro; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica
El cáncer neuroendocrino de mama es una forma poco frecuente de aparición del cáncer de mama. Se presenta como un nódulo mamario asociado generalmente a una sintomatología general; por lo que también se debe realizar el diagnóstico diferencial con metástasis de cáncer neuroendocrino primario. En este artículo, presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente con cáncer de mama neuroendocrino, el tratamiento recibido y la detección e identificación del ganglio centinela mediante la utilización del trazador Magtrace® y del detector SentiMag®. Finalmente, se realiza una breve revisión de los pocos casos publicados en la literatura.
Open Access
Cancer stem cells in breast cancer
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2013) Dittmer, Jürgen; Rody, Achim
There is increasing evidence that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a critical role in breast cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. It is thought that they are either generated from normal mammary stem/progenitor cells or from mammary epithelial cells by epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Breast CSCs are characterized by the activation of stemness-related pathways, such as the Notch and Wnt pathways, and by the expression of certain stem cell markers, such as CD44, EpCAM and ALDH1. CSCs form a minor population, whose proportion depends on various factors, including environmental conditions. Since CSCs are highly resistant to chemotherapy, additional treatment of breast cancer patients with CSC- specific drugs, such as salinomycin and gamma- secretase inhibitors which target the Wnt or Notch pathway, respectively, will be required. Interestingly, an equilibrium seems to exist between CSCs and non-stem cancer cells, and there are indications that CSCs can be recruited from non-stem cancer cells. As a consequence, it may be necessary to combine a therapy targeting CSCs with common chemotherapy that targets the bulk tumor to avoid the regeneration of CSCs.
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Características inmunohistoquímicas del cáncer de mama: ¿hacia una nueva clasificación?
(Elsevier, 2008-09) Polo-García, Luis; Alonso-Romero, José Luis; Salinas-Ramos, Juan; Canteras-Jordana, Manuel; Sola-Pérez, Joaquín; Galindo-Fernández, Pedro J.; Illana-Morenoa, Julián; Bermejo-López, Juan; Navarrete-Montoya, Agustín; Parrilla-Paricio, Pascual; Piñero Madrona, A.; Medicina
Introducción. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la posible asociación de cinco perfiles diferentes de expresión inmunohistoquímica con variables clínicas, histopatológicas e inmunohistoquímicas de conocido valor pronóstico en el cáncer de mama. Material y método. Se estudiaron 194 muestras de carcinoma ductal infiltrante de mama. Se definieron 5 perfiles inmunohistoquímicos basados en la expresión de receptores hormonales (estrogénicos o de progesterona) y/o Her2neu (luminal A, luminal B, mixto, Her2neu y triple negativo) y se estudió si había diferencias entre ellos en relación con variables clínicas, histopatológicas e inmunohistoquímicas de conocido valor pronóstico. Resultados. En la serie se encontraron 134 (69%) casos correspondientes a un inmunofenotipo luminal, de los que 98 (50,5%) fueron del grupo luminal A y 36 (18,6%) del luminal B; 29 (15,9%) casos fueron triples negativos, en 18 (9,3%) se daba un tipo mixto y en 13 (6,7%), del tipo Her2neu. Destaca la relación entre los inmunofenotipos triple negativos y Her2neu con formas histológicas peor diferenciadas (el 62 y el 60%, respectivamente) y del grupo luminal A con tumores bien diferenciados (p = 0,008). La expresión de ki67 fue mayor en el grupo triple negativo (73,9%) y baja en el luminal A (26,3%) (p = 0,001). La expresión de p53 también fue mayor para los grupos Her2neu (55,5%) y triple negativo (60,8%) (p = 0,0005) respecto a los otros. Conclusiones. Los subgrupos sin expresión de receptores hormonales, con sobreexpresión de Her2neu o sin ella (triple negativo) presentan características asociadas con variables de peor pronóstico. La pérdida de expresión de receptores a progesterona también parece asociarse con ellas.
Open Access
Caspase-3 and caspase-6 in ductal breast carcinoma: a descriptive study
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2006) Blázquez, S.; Sirvent, J.J.; Olona, M.; Aguilar, C.; Pelegrí, A.; Garcia, J.F.; Palacios, J.
Caspases are the main point in the apoptotic process. We have collected some information from 210 cases of Ductal breast cancer (pT1 - pT2) such as tumour size, histological differentiation degree, lymph node status and tumor necrosis in the infiltrating component and we have evaluated the number of apoptotic cells or bodies by TUNEL technique as well as immunohistochemical studies to evaluate the expression of caspase 3 and caspase 6, and proliferation index. Our results show that lymph node status and cell atypism are independent prognostic factors for recurrence and mortality and only tumour size is an independent prognostic factor for recurrence. However, the apoptotic index and the immunohistochemical expression of caspases and cell proliferation index have not turned out to be independent prognostic factors neither for recurrence nor mortality. These results show that classic prognostic factors known until now are the most important factors to predict the evolution of the illness.
Open Access
Chromosome 16q loss– a genetic key to the understanding of breast carcinogenesis
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2013) Bürger, Horst; Boer, Mirthe de; Van Diest, Paul J.; Korsching, Eberhard
In the last decade the concepts of breast cancer dedifferentiation and progression have undergone a significant and substantial change. In the past it was widely believed that the detailed associations between genetic and morphological changes defined in the Vogelstein model of colorectal cancer pathogenesis could be transferred to breast carcinogenesis. A multitude of studies seemed to verify this a priori hypothesis. However, with the introduction of global screening techniques, predominantly at the DNA level, it became obvious that this linear model might be oversimplified for breast cancer. It is now widely accepted that losses of chromosomal 16q characterize in-situ and invasive breast cancer tumours with predominantly low tumour grade and estrogen receptor (ER) positivity (luminal breast cancers). In contrast, high grade breast cancers of the HER2, the basal or the non expressor phenotype with 16q-losses are rarely seen and in consequence a concept of multiple, parallel pathways with defined precursor lesions emerged. As a consequence, it became obvious that the hunt for oncogenes/tumour suppressor genes in invasive breast cancer is pathway specific. Whereas high grade breast cancers have been relatively well characterized by several recurrent changes in oncogenes/tumour suppressor genes located on various chromosomal regions (e.g. egfr, p53, HER2), the characterization of a 16q-specific tumour suppressor gene in ER-positive breast cancer is still a tremendous challenge. This review will focus on the role of 16q in breast cancer and aims to give insights into actual research efforts, e.g. alternative explanations in order to unravel the central role of 16q in breast cancer.
Open Access
Clinical and therapeutic relevance of the metabolic oncogene fatty acid synthase in HER2+ breast cancer
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2017) Corominas Faja, Bruna; Vellon, Luciano; Cuyàs, Elisabet; Buxó, Maria; Martin Castillo, Begoña; Serra, Dolors; García, Jordi; Menendez, Javier A.; Lupu, Ruth
Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key lipogenic enzyme for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis and a druggable metabolic oncoprotein that is activated in most human cancers. We evaluated whether the HER2- driven lipogenic phenotype might represent a biomarker for sensitivity to pharmacological FASN blockade. A majority of clinically HER2-positive tumors were scored as FASN overexpressors in a series of almost 200 patients with invasive breast carcinoma. Reclassification of HER2-positive breast tumors based on FASN gene expression predicted a significantly inferior relapse-free and distant metastasis-free survival in HER2+/FASN+ patients. Notably, non-tumorigenic MCF10A breast epithelial cells engineered to overexpress HER2 upregulated FASN gene expression, and the FASN inhibitor C75 abolished HER2-induced anchorage-independent growth and survival. Furthermore, in the presence of high concentrations of C75, HER2-negative MCF-7 breast cancer cells overexpressing HER2 (MCF-7/HER2) had significantly higher levels of apoptosis than HER2-negative cells. Finally, C75 at non-cytotoxic concentrations significantly reduced the capacity of MCF-7/HER2 cells to form mammospheres, an in vitro indicator of cancer stem-like cells. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest that the HER2-FASN lipogenic axis delineates a group of breast cancer patients that might benefit from treatment with therapeutic regimens containing FASN inhibitors.
Open Access
Clinical correlations and prognostic relevance of Fn14 expression in breast carcinoma
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2013) Wang, Jian; Liu, Yang; Wei, Xiao-Yi; Wang, En-Hua
The aim of the present study was to clarify the expression of fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), a type I transmembrane protein, in breast carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological features. We examined the expression of Fn14 in normal breast epithelial cells as well as in breast carcinoma cells, and in 12 cases of breast carcinoma tissues and the paired normal breast tissues by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, we analyzed Fn14 protein expression in 171 clinicopathologically characterized breast carcinoma cases by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses were applied to test for prognostic and diagnostic associations. The results show that the level of Fn14 mRNA and protein were higher in the cancer cell lines and most cancer tissues than in normal control tissues. Immunohistochemistry showed that Fn14 was expressed in 148 of 171 cases (86.5%). Statistical analysis of cases showed that there was a significant difference of Fn14 expression in patients categorized according to HER-2 expression, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. Our results suggest that Fn14 protein is a valuable marker of breast carcinoma progression. Fn14 might be used as a valuable prognostic marker for breast carcinoma patients.