Comparative analysis and clinical value of the expression of metalloproteases and their inhibitors by intratumour stromal mononuclear inflammatory cells and those at the invasive front of breast carcinomas.

Aims: Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) play an essential role in the degradation of stromal connective tissue and basement membrane components. The aim of this study was to determine whether the dynamic analysis of these components can help to predict tumour aggressiveness.

Methods And Results: An immunohistochemical study was performed using tissue arrays and specific antibodies against MMPs -1, -2, -7, -9, -11, -13 and -14 and TIMPs -1, -2 and -3.

Relationship between morphological features and kinetic patterns of enhancement of the dynamic breast magnetic resonance imaging and clinico-pathological and biological factors in invasive breast cancer.

Background: To investigate the relationship between the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of breast cancer and its clinicopathological and biological factors.

Methods: Dynamic MRI parameters of 68 invasive breast carcinomas were investigated. We also analyzed microvessel density (MVD), estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and expression of p53, HER2, ki67, VEGFR-1 and 2.

Expression of metalloproteases and their inhibitors in primary tumors and in local recurrences after mastectomy for breast cancer.

Aims: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in patients who develop local recurrence (LR) after mastectomy.

Methods: We analyzed the expressions of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9, -11, -13, -14, TIMP-1, -2, and -3, using immunohistochemical techniques, in primary tumors from patients without tumoral recurrence (n = 50), patients who developed distant metastasis (n = 50), and from patients who develop LRs (n = 25). LRs of the latter group were also analyzed for MMPs expression.

Local recurrence after mastectomy for breast cancer: analysis of clinicopathological, biological and prognostic characteristics.

Background: Despite the increasing use of breast-conserving therapy, modified radical mastectomy retains an important role in primary as well as in salvage treatment of breast cancer. Nevertheless, a significant number of patients will eventually develop a local recurrence (LR).

Aims: To identify the potential prognostic factors at the time of the first isolated LR, and to compare the expression of several parameters of the molecular biology of breast carcinomas by primary tumors and paired isolated LRs.

Apolipoprotein D expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Background And Objectives: Apolipoprotein D (Apo D) is a protein component of the human plasma lipid transport system, and an androgen-regulated protein in both breast and prostate cancer cell lines. Our goal was to evaluate the expression of Apo D in malignant cutaneous melanomas, as well as to assess its possible relationship to clinical and pathological parameters.

Methods: Apo D expression was analyzed in 32 paraffin-embedded tissues from patients with invasive cutaneous malignant melanomas, in 8 samples from in situ melanoma, and in 10 samples from 10 benign lesions (4 dermal melanocytic nevi, 4 compound melanocytic nevi, and 2 dysplastic melanocytic nevi), using immunohistochemical techniques.

Expression and clinical significance of pepsinogen C in epithelial ovarian carcinomas.

Background: Pepsinogen C (pep C) is a gastric aspartic protease of which is associated with a favorable prognosis in breast cancer. Recently, it has been demonstrated in other tumors of extradigestive origin.

Study Design: We have analyzed pep C expression in 72 epithelial ovarian carcinomas by immunohistochemistry.