Gastrointestinal stromal tumours treated before and after the advent of c-kit immunostaining.

Background: Recently developed immunohistochemical markers have revolutionised the classification of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) whilst tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib) have had a significant impact on the treatment of advanced tumours. We review the clinicopathological features of previously resected mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract in our institution to 1) reclassify the histological diagnosis of those stained prior to c-kit availability; 2) perform survival analysis to identify prognostic factors, and 3) to consider the implications for patients.

Methods: Clinicopathological records of patients with a diagnosis of mesenchymal tumours treated between May 1992 and April 2007 were reviewed.

Evaluation of automated silver-enhanced in situ hybridization (SISH) for detection of HER2 gene amplification in breast carcinoma excision and core biopsy specimens.

Aims: To validate the use of the silver-enhanced in situ hybridization (SISH) technique in assessing HER2 status of breast carcinoma in excision biopsy specimens, and to assess its reliability in determining HER2 status in core biopsy specimens.

Methods And Results: Routinely processed paraffin sections of 65 excised breast carcinomas and 56 available preoperative core biopsy specimens from the same patients were selected from the archives for testing with the SISH technique using the automated Ventana Benchmark XT machine. For each case, two sections were used, one for the assessment of HER2 gene amplification and the other for assessment of chromosome 17.

Benign solitary fibrous pleural tumour. Evidence of primitive features and complex genomic imbalances, including loss of 20q.

Aims: Cytogenetic data on solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) are very limited. We studied a benign pleural SFT for its ultrastructural and immunohistochemical details, and made cytogenetic analyses for comparison with other genetic and ultrastructural studies of SFT.

Results: Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivities for CD34 and vimentin, but no reactions with anti-cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigens.