Clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract and malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumour: distinct or related entities? A review.

Clear cell sarcoma is an uncommon sarcoma which rarely occurs as a primary tumour in the gastrointestinal tract (CCS-GIT). It shares common molecular genetic abnormalities with the more recently described entity, malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumour (GNET) but is distinguished by its morphological and immunohistochemical findings. The exact nosological relationship between these tumours continues to be debated.

MDM2/CDK4 gene amplification in large/deep-seated 'lipomas': incidence, predictors and clinical significance.

This study of 140 cases assessed the incidence of MDM2/CDK4 gene amplification in lipomatous neoplasms with histological features of a lipoma but which were of clinical concern due to large size (≥50 mm) and/or deep-seated (subfascial) location. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify clinical, radiological and pathological predictors of gene amplification. Differences in local recurrence rates between amplified and non-amplified cases were assessed using survival analysis.

Ultrasound-guided optical coherence tomography needle probe for the assessment of breast cancer tumor margins.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new imaging technique for the assessment of breast cancer tumor margins. The technique entails deployment of a high-resolution optical imaging needle under ultrasound guidance. Assessment was performed on fresh ex vivo tissue samples.

Assessing HER2 amplification in breast cancer: findings from the Australian In Situ Hybridization Program.

In August 2006, the Australian government approved subsidized trastuzumab therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive early breast cancer, and it was mandated that HER2 testing should be performed using in situ hybridization (ISH) rather than immunohistochemistry (IHC). Here we review results of the first regulated, nationwide program to provide HER2 ISH testing for all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, with a particular emphasis on cases where IHC and ISH results were discordant. Data from all laboratories participating in the program were collated.

Parametric imaging of the local attenuation coefficient in human axillary lymph nodes assessed using optical coherence tomography.

We report the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine spatially localized optical attenuation coefficients of human axillary lymph nodes and their use to generate parametric images of lymphoid tissue. 3D-OCT images were obtained from excised lymph nodes and optical attenuation coefficients were extracted assuming a single scattering model of OCT. We present the measured attenuation coefficients for several tissue regions in benign and reactive lymph nodes, as identified by histopathology.

Ependymomas with neuronal differentiation: a morphologic and immunohistochemical spectrum.

The category of mixed glioneuronal tumors of the CNS is rapidly losing its definition as encompassing tumors composed of histologically distinct neuron variants and glia. We encountered five ependymomas with neuronal differentiation seen in two by histology, in two by immunohistochemistry alone, and in one by electron microscopy. Antibodies against GFAP, S-100 protein, neurofilament protein, chromogranin, synaptophysin, Neu-N, and EMA were applied.