Molecular classification of breast cancer: an overview with emphasis on ethnic variations and future perspectives

Morphologically identical breast cancers can display divergent clinical outcomes and responses to therapy. This can predominantly be attributed to molecular class differences that exist amongst histologically similar cancer types. Consequently, molecular classification can be more powerful than histopathology as a predictive factor for the different treatments. This article reviews the molecular classification of breast cancer and emphasizes that ethnic variations may exist in molecular class prevalence patterns. It also highlights key insights into the currently defined molecular classes as provided by ongoing research on primary breast cancers using recent state-of-the-art technology. Such research is revealing that significant molecular heterogeneity may exist within the molecular classes themselves. More diverse ethnic variations may also be unraveled. The results of ongoing and upcoming research may provide more precise prognostic and predictive information about breast cancer and perhaps a breakthrough step toward "personaliziation" of breast cancer treatment. Forty-one relevant articles [2000-2012] extracted through PubMed and Google advanced searches and at our institute's library were utilized to prepare the article, along with results of published and ongoing research hby the authors

Indeterminate cell tumor [histiocytosis]

Indeterminate cell tumor [ICT; histiocytosis] is a rare disorder characterized by accumulation of histiocytes that do not fulfill the phenotypic criteria designated for Langerhans cells [LC]. The cells classified as "indeterminate" exhibit overlapping features between dendritic cells and histiocytic cells by showing variable reactivity for CD1a and positivity for S-100 protein and CD68. Ultrastructurally, absence of Birbeck granules, a feature consistent with LC, epitomizes the lesional cells. Herein, we report a case of ICT in a new born emphasizing its histogenesis and clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features

Saudi women in academic medicine. Are they succeeding?

The main purpose of this study is to assess the achievements and barriers to advancement for Saudi women in a medical academic setup. We studied the career progression of female medical graduates, who were appointed an academic position in King Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] between 1982 and 2003 and compared it to the male counterpart. The information was collected from the Dean's ship of admission and registration, employees and faculty affairs administration office, self completed and telephone surveys. The percentage of medical graduates who were appointed on an academic post in the University was 4.4% for females and 4% for males. The females specialized in various fields and progressed equitably with the males in their postgraduate studies. Academic promotion to higher ranks was slower for females in comparison to males. This was related to various reasons related to family responsibilities, social strains, lack of family friendly policies in the institutions, lack of mentoring relationship, and bias against females. Saudi women in academic medicine have succeeded at the junior level. They specialized in various fields and excelled. Their further academic progression needs the support of senior academic staff, the chairs and the institution administration