NDRG4 promoter hypermethylation is a mechanistic biomarker associated with metastatic progression in breast cancer patients.

The risk of developing metastatic disease in breast cancer patients is traditionally predictable based on the number of positive axillary lymph nodes, complemented with additional clinicopathological factors. However, since lymph node-negative patients have a 20-30% probability of developing metastatic disease, lymph node information alone is insufficient to accurately assess individual risk. Molecular approaches, such as multigene expression panels, analyze a set of cancer-related genes that more accurately predict the early risk of metastasis and the treatment response.

Surgical anatomy of the internal thoracic lymph nodes in fresh human cadavers: basis for sentinel node biopsy.

Background: While the optimal management of early breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) involvement mapped in the internal thoracic chain is still debated, biopsy may be performed when surgeons select patients who are most likely to benefit. The aim of this study is to examine anatomical aspects of internal thoracic nodes (ITNs) to orientate SLN biopsy in the parasternal area.

Methods: This study was based on dissections of 29 female cadavers.

Intraoperative full-dose of partial breast irradiation with electrons delivered by standard linear accelerators for early breast cancer.

Purpose. To assess feasibility, efficacy, toxicity, and cosmetic results of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with electrons delivered by standard linear accelerators (Linacs) during breast conserving surgeries for early infiltrating breast cancer (BC) treatment. Materials and Methods.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided occult breast lesion localization and simultaneous sentinel lymph node mapping.

Background: Radio-guided occult lesion localization is a valid technique for the diagnosis of suspicious non-palpable lesions. Here we determine the feasibility of pre-operative localization of occult suspect non-palpable breast lesions using radio-guided occult lesion localization, as well as for identifying the sentinel lymph node.

Methods: This is a descriptive study of data collected retrospectively.

Radicality effect of adding an interpectoral to a subpectoral approach for dissection of level III axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer.

Aims And Background: The extent of axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer treatment is tailored to each patient. When the surgeon assumes that full dissection, including level III, is needed, there are basically two ways for reaching the apical nodes while preserving the pectoralis muscles: a subpectoral approach, below the joined pectoralis muscles, and another that includes an additional interpectoral dissection between the muscles. We conducted a study to evaluate the radicality of dissection using these two approaches.

Induction of experimental mammary carcinogenesis in rats with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene.

Purpose: To test an experimental model of chemical mammary carcinogenesis induction in rats.

Methods: Twenty young virgin Sprague-Dawley female rats, aged 47 days, received 20 mg of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) intragastrically by gavage. Afterwards, at 8 and 13 weeks, their mammary glands were examined.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A pilot study.

Aims: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) seems to represent a reliable method for early breast cancer staging, offering an alternative to complete axillary dissection.

Methods: The identification of sentinel node(s), their localization and the predictive capacity of SLN were analysed in 42 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Dextran labelled with (99m)Tc was injected close to the tumor.

Prognostic effects of local recurrence after conservative treatment for early infiltrating breast carcinoma.

Aim: A study was carried out to determine whether local recurrence after quadrantectomy, axillary dissection and radiotherapy (QUART) affects the oncologic prognosis of patients with early infiltrating breast carcinoma.

Methods: A total of 149 patients were submitted to QUART between 1981 and 1990 and followed by an average period of 120.9 months (range, 16-213).

Reassurance in the Treatment of Mastalgia.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of the application of a nonpharmacologic treatment based on explanations and reassurance to women with mastalgia. A total of 121 women were studied. They received reassurance and underwent follow up with a questionnaire 2-3 months later.