[Genotyping of BRCA1, BRCA2 and CHEK2 germline mutations in Russian breast cancer patients using diagnostic biochips].

Germline mutations of BRCA1/2 genes cause the predisposition of their carriers to breast or/and ovary cancers (BC or/and OC) during the lifetime. Identification of these mutations is a basis of molecular diagnosis for BC susceptibility. Rapid genotyping technique using microarrays for identification of BRCA1 185delAG, 300T>G, 4153delA, 5382insC mutations and 4158 A>G sequence variant; BRCA2 695insT and 6174delT mutations; 1100delC mutation in CHEK2 gene was applied for 412 randomly collected breast cancer samples from the central region of European area of Russia.

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in breast cancer.

The relationship between biochemical markers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide, deoxypyridinoline, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b) and osteosynthesis (bone alkaline phosphatase) and clinical manifestations of bone metastases were studied in 239 patients with breast cancer with and without signs of bone involvement. High levels of C-terminal telopeptide and bone alkaline phosphatase were associated with poor prognosis: more severe skeletal complications and lesser survival values. These biochemical markers can be used for prognosis and optimization of therapy for bone metastases in patients with breast cancer.

[Long-term impact of breast reconstruction on quality of life among breast cancer patients].

Psychological impact of modified radical mastectomy carried out simultaneously with breast reconstruction (n=45) was compared with that in controls who underwent similar surgery for cancer alone (n=50). After 12 months, depression was less frequent in group 1 and indices such as being a good mixer, joyfulness, activity, happiness, job satisfaction and access to leisure and entertainment were significantly higher than among controls (p< or =0.05).

[Assessment of oncologic risk of breast reconstruction simultaneous with surgery for breast cancer].

The report deals with retrospective research in possible induction of relapse by breast reconstruction carried out simultaneously with surgery for breast cancer. The end results were compared between cases of modification of radical mastectomy combined with reconstruction (n=124) and controls who underwent surgery for cancer alone (n=379). Standard radio- and systemic therapy was used.