[Clinical impact of extracapsular extension of axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer].

Objective: To study the clinical significance of extracapsular extension (ECE) of axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer.

Methods: The clinicopathological data of 1230 cases of nodal positive breast cancer treated in our department from 1989 to 1995 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: 486 (39.

[Relationship between the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 protein and other biomarkers, prognosis in invasive breast cancer].

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the expression patterns of metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 protein in invasive breast carcinoma and to determine the clinicopathological and prognostic values of its various localization and relation to the tumor phenotypes.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue array from 263 invasive breast carcinomas to investigate the protein expressions of MMP-13, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2, MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2.

Results: MMP-13 protein was detected in the cytoplasm of carcinoma cells and peritumoral fibroblasts.

[Axillary skip metastases in breast cancer].

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and the prognostic factors of breast cancer patients with skip metastases in the axilla.

Methods: The clinical data of 1502 breast cancer patients who underwent complete axillary lymph node dissection were retrospectively reviewed. The patterns of skip metastases, clinical features and prognostic factors were analyzed.

[Application of latissimus dorsi-myocutaneous flap in breast reconstruction].

Objective: To investigate the design, procedures and effect of latissimus dorsi-myocutaneous flap (LDMF) for breast reconstruction.

Methods: From May, 2005 to April, 2006, 18 consecutive patients underwent breast reconstruction with LDMF. Combined breast implants were also inserted in 8 of the 18 cases.

[A study of reduction mammaplasty in patients with breast benign diseases].

Objective: To study the efficacy and complications of the method for reduction mammaplasty in patients with breast benign diseases.

Methods: From November 1980 to December 2001, reduction mammaplasty was performed in 27 patients with breast hypertrophy, ptosis and benign diseases. The operation methods were selected according to the characters of the diseases and the extent of breast hypertrophy and ptosis.

[Randomized trial on adjuvant radiotherapy for postoperative breast cancer: a 15 year experience].

Objective: To evaluate the long term effects of adjuvant radiotherapy for postoperative breast cancer.

Methods: From 1985 to 1986, 162 patients with operable breast cancer were randomly given adjuvant radiotherapy according to clinical stage and involving condition of axillary lymph nodes (LN). The radiotherapy group (RG) was irradiated in the supraclavicular area and/or internal mammary area to 50 Gy, while the control group (CG) was not.

[Local recurrence and distant metastasis after breast-conserving therapy for patients with breast cancer].

Objective: To study the relative factors of local recurrence and distant metastasis after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) for patients with breast cancer.

Methods: The data on 174 patients with primary breast cancer who had been treated by BCT were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were followed up for 12 to 196 months with a rate of 97.