Oestrogen-synthesising enzymes and breast cancer.

There is a large and compelling body of epidemiological and experimental evidence that oestrogens are the fuel behind the aetiology of breast cancer. The carcinogenic effects of oestrogen are postulated to be mediated by: the stimulation of cellular proliferation through their receptor-mediated hormonal activity. Other mechanisms include; direct genotoxic effects by increasing mutation rates through a cytochrome P450-mediated metabolic activation and induction of aneuploidy.

Prognostic utility of glycosyltransferase expression in breast cancer.

Background: The post-translational modification of proteins, including glycosylation, is known to differ between normal and tumour cells. In this study, the expression profile of two glycosyltranferases, UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-6 (ppGalNAc-T6) and alpha6-sialyl-transferase-I (ST6GalNAc-I) was assessed, in a cohort of women with breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: Breast cancer tissues (n=127) and normal background tissues (n=33) were collected immediately after excision during surgery.

Osteopontin expression profiles predict pathological and clinical outcome in breast cancer.

Background: Osteopontin (OPN) overexpression in breast cancer has been associated with adverse pathological and clinical outcomes. In this study, the OPN expression profiles were examined in a cohort of breast cancer patients.

Patients And Methods: RNA extraction and reverse transcription were performed on breast carcinomas (n = 127) and normal tissues (n = 33).

Herceptin and breast cancer: an overview for surgeons.

Introduction: HER-2 over-expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and represents a key marker and determinant of patient outcome. Trastuzumab/Herceptin (TZ) is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody which targets HER-2. Introduction into clinical practice has significantly improved the natural history of HER-2 over-expressing tumors and has altered the standard of care for these women.

The clinical significance of sentinel lymph node micrometastasis in breast cancer.

Introduction: The advent of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and improvements in histopathological and molecular analysis have increased the rate at which micrometastases (MM) are identified. However, their significance has been the subject of much debate. In this article we review the literature concerning axillary lymph node (ALN) MM, with particular reference to SLNB.

The utility of MRI for the screening and staging of breast cancer.

Introduction & Background: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast has been recently introduced as a potential clinical tool for the detection, diagnosis, staging and management of breast cancer. In this article, we consider the established and evolving roles of MRI with particular reference to screening in high risk women and staging of the primary tumour. Controversies are discussed in the context of the tumour biology and natural history of breast cancer.

Oncological safety and patient satisfaction with skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.

Introduction: The management of early breast cancer with skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is not based on evidence from randomised controlled trials. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oncological safety, post-operative morbidity and patients' satisfaction with SSM and IBR using the latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap and/or breast prosthesis.

Methods: Eighty-three consecutive women underwent 93 SSMs with IBR (10 bilateral), using the LD flap plus implant (n=55) or implant alone (n=38), indications included early breast cancer and prophylaxis due to BRCA-1 gene mutation.

Current management of DCIS: a review.

Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) is a heterogeneous disease, in terms of its radiological characteristics, histological morphology and molecular attributes. This diversity is reflected in its natural history and influences optimal treatment strategy. A significant proportion of DCIS lesions behave in a clinically benign fashion and do not progress to invasive disease.