[Late metastases from breast cancer--report of two cases].

Introduction: Breast cancer is amongst the commonest reasons for brain metastases involving 15-20% of the patients. Metastases discovered 10 or more years after the initial diagnosis of breast cancer are defined as late metastases and present a rare event. We present two cases of late brain metastases of breast cancer discovered 15 and 17 years after initial diagnosis.

[The role of matrixmetalloproteinases in the tumor growth and metastasis].

Many authors have described the role ofmatrixmetalloproteinases (MMP) in tumor invasion. MMPs are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, which through degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the basal membrane induce tumor spread and metastasis. There are more than 20 enzymes classified into 6 groups: Collagenases (MMP-1,-8,-13 and -18), Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9, Stromelysins (MMP-3,-7,-10,-11,-26,-27), Elastases (MMP-12), Membrane type specific MMPs (MMP-14,-15,-16,-17,-24 H -25) and other MMPs (MMP-19,-20,-28,-21,-22,-23).

[Epidermoid cysts in the pineal region--analysis of four cases and review of the literature].

Epidermoid cysts represent 0.2-1% of all intracranial tumours. Extremely rare they are found in the pineal region.

[Injuries of the cranio-cervical junction--anatomy, classification of pathological process, and diagnosis].

The cranio-atlanto-axial junction (C0-C2) is anatomically and biomechanically the most complex spinal region. It is frequently engaged by different pathologies of tumoral, traumatical or inflammatory origin, leading to spinal instability. The advanced knowledge about the anatomical details, the physiology, the mechanism of injury, the nature of the processes and their classification are crucial for the adequate therapeutic approach when dealing with pathologies in this region.

[Quality of life assessment in patients with malignant glial tumors].

Introduction: High-grade gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Dismal prognosis for the patients with a marked deterioration of the quality of life and a mean length of survival of 9-18 months are typical characteristics for this pathology. The aim of this study is to assess the most appropriate questionnaire for measuring the quality of life (QOL) in this group of patients.