Expression in childhood primary brain tumors of NY-ESO-1, a cancer/testis antigen: an immunohistochemical study.

Background: NY-ESO-1 is a human gene that codes for antigens that are expressed in malignancies of various histological types, but not in normal tissues, except the testes. The expression of NY-ESO-1 in intracranial brain tumors including astrocytomas (ASTRs) and medulloblastomas (MEDs)/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) was examined since the expression of NY-ESO-1 has only previously been explored in depth in neuroblastomas.

Materials And Methods: During our immunohistochemical study, a sensitive, four-step, alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antigen detection technique was employed.

Survivin expression in childhood medulloblastomas: a possible diagnostic and prognostic marker.

Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family that is expressed in embryonic tissues during human ontogenesis and most human malignancies, but it is not present in the majority of normal adult tissues. Survivin is also a chromosomal passenger protein required for physiological cell divison. Survivin blocks apoptosis, via its BIR domain, by either directly or indirectly blocking the function of the members of the caspase cascade.

Immunocytochemical detection of members of the caspase cascade of apoptosis in high-grade astrocytomas.

During the physiological process of PCD, the cell initiates a sequence of events culminating in the disintegration of the cell into small, membrane-bound apoptotic bodies. The intrinsic part of the PCD program arises from the mitochondria when it releases cytochrome c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytosol, forming the caspase-activating complex or apoptosome. The family of caspases is involved in the execution of genetically controlled PCD.

Racial differences in childhood tumors.

The purpose of this brief review is to inform the reader of the appearance of childhood neoplasms along racial and ethnic lines. The Lag time, general aspects and specific tumors, such as astrocytomas, medulloblastomas and those of the skin, including cases affecting the face and mouth, are discussed. Other tumors discussed are melanomas, those of the nasopharynx, liver, bone, Hodgkin's disease and especially leukemias as primary forms.