Evaluation of Role of Tru-Cut Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Clinically Palpable Breast Lumps

Many diseases affect the breast that range from inflammatory conditions, benign lesions to malignant lesions, most of which present as lumps in the breast. Breast lumps are one of the frequent complaints that we come across in surgical OPDs. Breast lumps not only create apprehension but also can cause unacceptable pain and impairment if they are found to be malignant. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Tru-Cut biopsy, incision biopsy and excision biopsy are the pathological investigations available for the diagnosis of breast lesions. This study is done to evaluate the role of Tru-Cut biopsy in diagnosing the breast lesions and compare it with FNAC and histopathology.METHODSThis prospective study is conducted in the Department of General Surgery at a tertiary care centre from September 2015 to November 2016 among patients attending surgical OPD and admitted in general surgical wards with clinically palpable breast lumps.RESULTSThe sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC were 86.36%, 93.75%, 90.47%, 90.90% and 90.74 % respectively. For Tru-Cut biopsy the values were 95.45%, 100%, 100%, 96.96 % and 98.14 % respectively.CONCLUSIONSTru-Cut biopsy has better efficacy over FNAC in our study. The superiority of Tru-Cut biopsy is particularly seen in Sclerosing, papillary, fibro-epithelial lesions and malignancies with inconclusive and suspicious FNAC results.

Outcomes of Breast Cancer Receptor Testing at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation from December 2016 to December 2018

Objectives:To review the outcomes of oestrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer patients at GPHC over a 2 year period from December 2016-December 2018.Hypothesis:There is a higher incidence triple negative(ER (-), PR (-), HER2 (-)) breast cancer among patients in Guyana when compared to the Caribbean.Secondary Objectives:To identify the patients who had hormone receptor testing done at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).To specify the current trends of ER, PR and HER2 in patients at GPHC from December 2016-December 2018.To enumerate the percentage of BC diagnosed in the patients under 40 years.Design and Methods:Retrospective cohort study of 90 BC patients with known receptor status from December 2016-Dcember 2018.Results:In this study of 90 patients 46% of the patients are triple negative BC, while 38% are hormone receptor positive. Of least frequency are the triple positive BC representing 3%.The persons 40years and under represent 16% of the population. Conclusion: There in a high percentage of breast cancer in patients under 40 years representing 16% of the study population.There is a higher percentage of triple negative or non-hormonal receptive breast cancerat GPHC of approximately 46% which supersedes 20% when compared to the Caribbean population.Recommendations: Further study is needed, with screening and development of protocols. Breast receptor testing in all patients need to routinely done and a formal cancer registry and Digital database established.

Oestrogen receptor Rsa I gene polymorphism in osteoporosis periodontitis patients with or without dental fluorosis

Background & objectives: There is a paucity of information on association between dental fluorosis, osteoporosis and periodontitis. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate oestrogen receptor (ER) Rsa 1 gene polymorphism in osteoporosis periodontitis patients with and without dental fluorosis. Methods: Twenty one primary osteoporotic patients suffering from periodontitis with dental fluorosis and 20 primary osteoporotic patients suffering from periodontitis without dental fluorosis participated in this study. Periodontitis was diagnosed based on age, gender T-scores using clinical parameters such as plaque scores, gingival bleeding scores and probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level (CAL) and severity of dental fluorosis. DNA was genotyped at the RsaI RFLP (in exon 5) inside the ER gene to study ER Rsa I gene polymorphism in osteoporosis periodontitis patients with and without dental fluorosis. Results: Patients with dental fluorosis had higher degree of osteoporosis than those without fluorosis. CAL was significantly higher (P <0.05) in those with dental fluorosis compared with those without. Rr heterozygote (21.95%) was observed in patients without fluorosis whereas RR mutant homozygote was absent in both the groups. Rr wild homozygote type was seen more in the patients with fluorosis (51.21%). Significant differences were found in distribution of these genotypes between patients with and without dental fluorosis. Interpretation & conclusions: This preliminary study showed the presence of ER I gene polymorphism in osteoporosis periodontitis patients without dental fluorosis. Further studies with large sample size are needed to confirm the association shown in this preliminary study.

Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Breast Malignancy-Their Expression and Correlation with Histologic Parameters in Southern India

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy among South Indian women. Hormone receptor evaluation has become crucial for management of breast cancer. Very few studies have correlated oestrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs) with histologic parameters in Andhra Pradesh state of Southern India; therefore, the study was undertaken, and it is also to study the importance of immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation of ER and PR status and to evaluate and conclude the importance of modified Bloom-Richardson (MBR) grading in a routine investigation for prognosis and prediction of clinical outcomes. Aims and Objective (1) To evaluate the expression of hormone receptors in breast carcinoma and (2) to correlate their expression with other histological variables. Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted for 2 years, at a tertiary care hospital in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. In our study, 100 consecutive cases were included, which were reported by MBR system and evaluated for ER & PR receptor expression by Allred score. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software, Student t-test and chi-square test. Results Majority of the age group affected was below 50 years, and mean age of the study population was 46.25 years. The most common histological variant was infiltrating duct cell carcinoma (91%), and predominant histological grade was MBR grade II (47%). ER and PR positivity were noted in 56% and 53% of cases, respectively. The common phenotypic expressions were ER+ PR+ (46%) & ER-PR-(37%). ER positivity was observed in 25% of grade I, 54.54% of grade II and 20.46% of grade III lesions (p = 0.005), and expression of PR was seen in 25.53% of grade I, 51.06% of grade II and 23.54% of grade III lesions (p = 0.001). ER+ PR+ phenotypic expression was positively correlated with low histologic grade, whereas ER-PR-correlated with high histological grade (p = 0.003). ER+ PR+ also correlated with lymphatic spread (p = 0.046) and vascular invasion (p = 0.011). However, no correlation was observed with age, tumour size and ER & PR expression (p > 0.05). Conclusion High nuclear pleomorphism, low tubule formation, high mitotic score & lymphovascular invasion were found more common in ER-PR-group than in ER+ & PR+ group with significant statistical correlation. ER & PR expression showed statistically significant correlation with MBR system and other pathological parameters. Hence, MBR grading should be incorporated as a routine investigation for prognosis and prediction of clinical ou Breast carcinoma (CA), Oestrogen receptor (ER), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), Modified Bloom-Richardson grading (MBR), Progesterone receptor (PR) nuclear pleomorphism.

Genistein-induced fluid accumulation in ovariectomised rats' uteri is associated with increased cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator expression

OBJECTIVE: High genistein doses have been reported to induce fluid accumulation in the uteri of ovariectomised rats, although the mechanism underlying this effect remains unknown. Because genistein binds to the oestrogen receptor and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator mediates uterine fluid secretion, we hypothesised that this genistein effect involves both the oestrogen receptor and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. METHODS: Ovariectomised adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day genistein for three consecutive days with and without the ER antagonist ICI 182780. One day after the final drug injection, the animals were humanely sacrificed, and the uteri were removed for histology and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator mRNA and protein expression analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein distribution was analysed visually by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The histological analysis revealed an increase in the circumference of the uterine lumen with increasing doses of genistein, which was suggestive of fluid accumulation. Moreover, genistein stimulated a dose-dependent increase in the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein and mRNA, and high-intensity cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator immunostaining was observed at the apical membrane of the luminal epithelium following 50 and 100 mg/kg/day genistein treatment. The genistein-induced increase in uterine luminal circumference and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator expression was antagonised by treatment with ICI 182780. CONCLUSION: Genistein-induced luminal fluid accumulation in ovariectomised rats' uteri involves the oestrogen receptor and up-regulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator expression, and these findings reveal the mechanism underlying the effect of this compound on changes in ...

The prevalence and significance of oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity in breast cancer at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica / Prevalencia y significación de la positividad del receptor de estrógeno (RE) en el cáncer de mama en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies, Jamaica

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity, and determine the relationship of ER status with patient and tumour characteristics, in patients with breast cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted regarding the prevalence and clinical significance of ER in patients with breast cancer at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). Oestrogen receptor status results of 243 patients treated at UHWI were collected for the period January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2009. One hundred and ninety-nine were available for review. RESULTS: Oestrogen receptor status was positive in 125 (63%) and negative in 74 (37%) patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 52.6 ± 13.0 years for the ER positive group and 58.5 ± 14.23 years for the ER negative group. Postmenopausal women accounted for 55.2% and 64.9% of the ER positive and negative groups, respectively. Mean BMI was 28.0 kg/m² and 29.6 kg/m² for the ER positive and negative groups, respectively. Menarche occurred mainly between ages 12 and 13 years for both groups. Mean age at 1st parity was 23.4 years for the ER positive and 21.4 years for the ER negative group with median parity of two for both groups. The most prevalent risk factors were oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use (24.3% for the ER positive group, 17.1% for the ER negative group), family history of breast cancer (12.0%; 13.4%) and previous smoking (8.4%; 6.9%). Tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage was Stage II in most cases (46%; 49%). Infiltrating ductal histology was most common (81.5%; 87.7%). Her 2/ neu status was negative for most patients (91.3%; 91.5%). Most patients were disease free (77.6%; 70.0%) after an average follow-up period of 3.5 years. More persons in the ER negative group had locoregional recurrence (8%) and metastases (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Oestrogen receptor positive cohort was more prevalent. The ER negative group was older (p = 0.003).

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prevalencia del receptor de la positividad de receptor de estrógeno (RE), y determinar la relación del estatus de RE con el paciente y las características del tumor, en las pacientes con cáncer de mama. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con respecto a la prevalencia e importancia clínica del RE en los pacientes con cáncer de mama en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies (UHWI). Se recogieron los resultados del estatus del receptor de estrógeno de 243 pacientes tratados en UHWI en el periodo del 1 de enero de 2002 al 31 de diciembre de 2009. Ciento noventa y nueve estuvieron disponibles para examen. RESULTADOS: El estatus del receptor de estrógeno fue positivo en 125 (63%) y negativo en 74 (37%) pacientes. La edad promedio al momento del diagnóstico fue 52.6 ± 13.0 años para el grupo de RE positivo y 58.5 ± 14.23 años para el RE grupo negativo. Las mujeres menopáusicas representaron el 55.2% y el 64.9% del RE de los grupos positivos y negativos respectivamente. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) promedio fue 28.0 kg/m2 y 29.6 kg/m2 para el RE de los grupos positivos y negativos respectivamente. La menarquia ocurrió principalmente entre las edades de 12 y 13 años para ambos grupos. La edad promedio en la primera paridad fue 23.4 años para el grupo de RE positivo y 21.4 años para el de RE negativo, siendo la paridad mediana igual a dos para ambos grupos. Los factores de riesgo de mayor preponderancia fueron el uso de anticonceptivos orales (ACO) (24. 3% para el grupo de RE positivo, 17.1% para el grupo RE negativo); historia familiar de cáncer de mama (12.0%; 13.4%); y hábito de fumar con anterioridad (8.4%; 6.9%). De acuerdo con la estadificación tumor-nódulo-metástasis (TNM), se trataba de la Etapa II en la mayor parte de los casos (46%; 49%). La histología ductal infiltrante fue la más común (81.5%; 87.7%). El estatus Her2/neu fue negativo para la mayoría de las pacientes (91.3%; 91.5%). La mayoría de las pacientes se hallaban libres de enfermedad (77.6%; 70.0%) después de un periodo promedio de seguimiento de 3.5 años. En el grupo de RE negativo había más personas con recurrencia locoregional (8%) y metástasis (22%). CONCLUSIONES: La cohorte positiva del receptor de estrógeno positiva fue más prevaleciente. El grupo negativo de RE fue de mayor edad (p = 0.003).

An analysis of predictive biomarkers in routine histopathological reporting of infi ltrating ductal breast carcinoma in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia with a focus on limitations and directions for future development

Predictive biomarkers such as oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein have become a staple in breast cancer reports in the country as they increasingly play an important role in the treatment and prognosis of women with breast cancers. This study reviews the practice of histopathology reporting of these biomarkers in a Malaysian tertiary hospital setting. Retrospective data on demographic, pathological and biomarker profi les of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma who had undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy with axillary node clearance from 2005 to 2006 were retrieved from the Department of Pathology, Penang Hospital and analysed. The prevalence of ER positivity (55.8%), PR positivity (52.5%), c-erbB-2 oncoprotein overexpression (24%) and triple negativity (ER negative, PR negative, c-erbB-2 negative) (15%) by immunohistochemistry were comparable with other studies. Notably, c-erbB-2 overexpression was equivocal (2+) in 15% of cases. Since about a quarter of equivocal (2+) cases usually show amplifi cation by FISH, a small but certain percentage of patients would miss the benefi t of anti-cerbB- 2 antibody therapy if FISH is not performed. New ASCO/CAP guidelines on the quantitation of ER and PR will probably increase the prevalence of ER/PR positivity, invariably leading to signifi cant ramifi cations on the management of patients as more patients would be deemed eligible for endocrine therapy, as well as categorisation of triple negative breast cancers.

The anticancer drug tamoxifen is active against Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro but ineffective in the treatment of the acute phase of Chagas disease in mice

The activity of the antineoplastic drug tamoxifen was evaluated against Trypanosoma cruzi. In vitro activity was determined against epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote forms of CL14, Y and Y benznidazole resistant T. cruzi strains. Regardless of the strain used, the drug was active against all life-cycle stages of the parasite with a half maximal effective concentration ranging from 0.7-17.9 µM. Two experimental models of acute Chagas disease were used to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of treatment with tamoxifen. No differences in parasitemia and mortality were observed between control mock-treated and tamoxifen-treated mice.