Generation of ductal organoids from normal mammary luminal cells reveals invasive potential.

Here we present an experimental model for human luminal progenitor cells that enables single, primary cells isolated from normal tissue to generate complex branched structures resembling the ductal morphology of low-grade carcinoma of no special type. Thereby, we find that ductal structures are generated through invasive branching morphogenesis via matrix remodeling and identify reduced actomyosin contractility as a prerequisite for invasion. In addition, we show that knockout of E-cadherin causes a dissolution of duct formation as observed in invasive lobular carcinoma, a subtype of invasive carcinomas where E-cadherin function is frequently lost.

Overall Complication Rates of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstructions in Germany-A Multi-Center Analysis Based on the DGPRÄC Prospective National Online Registry for Microsurgical Breast Reconstructions.

While autologous breast reconstruction has gained momentum over recent years, there is limited data on the structure and quality of care of microsurgical breast reconstruction in Germany. Using the breast reconstruction database established by the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC), the presented study investigated the overall outcomes of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstructions in Germany. Data of 3926 patients and 4577 DIEP flaps performed by 22 centers were included in this study.

Quantification of regenerative potential in primary human mammary epithelial cells.

We present an organoid regeneration assay in which freshly isolated human mammary epithelial cells are cultured in adherent or floating collagen gels, corresponding to a rigid or compliant matrix environment. In both conditions, luminal progenitors form spheres, whereas basal cells generate branched ductal structures. In compliant but not rigid collagen gels, branching ducts form alveoli at their tips, express basal and luminal markers at correct positions, and display contractility, which is required for alveologenesis.

Prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients by circulating apoptotic biomarkers nucleosomes, DNAse, cytokeratin-18 fragments and survivin.

Biomarkers predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally confined breast cancer (LBC) are highly needed. We prospectively assessed serial blood levels of apoptotic biomarkers nucleosomes, DNAse activity, cytokeratin-18 fragments (M30) and survivin in 51 LBC patients and correlated them with response to neoadjuvant treatment and established tumor markers. As controls, we used 31 healthy subjects, 13 patients with benign diseases and 28 with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Circulating immunogenic cell death biomarkers HMGB1 and RAGE in breast cancer patients during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients aims at preoperative reduction of tumor volume for better resection results and prognosis. As not all patients respond to neoadjuvant therapy, predictive biomarkers are needed for more efficient individual management. In prospectively collected sera of 51 consecutive locally confined breast cancer (LBC) patients receiving preoperative, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, value level kinetics of soluble high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) as well as the established breast cancer biomarkers CA 15-3 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were investigated and correlated with therapy response objectified by pathological staging at surgery.