Characterization of EpCAM-Positive and EpCAM-Negative Tumor Cells in Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

Most studies on CTCs have focused on isolating cells that express EpCAM. In this study, we emphasize the presence of EpCAM-negative and EpCAM CTCs, in addition to EpCAM CTCs, in early BC. We evaluated stem cell markers (CD44/CD24 and CD133) and EMT markers (N-cadherin) in each subpopulation.

Dual-Specificity Phosphatases in Regulation of Tumor-Associated Macrophage Activity.

The regulation of protein kinases by dephosphorylation is a key mechanism that defines the activity of immune cells. A balanced process of the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of key protein kinases by dual-specificity phosphatases is required for the realization of the antitumor immune response. The family of dual-specificity phosphatases is represented by several isoforms found in both resting and activated macrophages.

Determination of BRCAness Phenotype in Breast Tumors for the Appointment of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Based on Platinum and Taxanes.

The concept of BRCAness was developed because of similarities between sporadic and hereditary breast cancer. BRCAness defines the pathogenesis and treatment sensitivity of many types of cancer, as well as the presence of a defect in the homologous recombination repair of tumor cells simulating the loss of or , as in the presence of germline mutations. The question of treatment effectiveness for BRCA-like tumors is controversial and open.