Virus polioma en carcinoma de células de Merkel / Polyoma virus in Merkel cell carcinoma

Introducción: El carcinoma de células de Merkel (MCC) es un tumor cutáneo maligno agresivo y de mal pronóstico. La incidencia es mayor en adultos hombres, caucásicos, con edad promedio de 70 años. Feng et al, lograron aislar un nuevo virus en muestras de este tumor, que denominaron virus polioma de células de Merkel (MCPyV). Se ha intentado establecer una relación causal entre el virus y MCC. El virus está integrado al genoma y produciría mutaciones específicas. En muestras de MCC, se ha detectado expresión de oncoproteinas virales (antígenos T) que promueven la replicación viral y tumorogénesis

Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive malignant cutaneous tumor with poor prognosis. Most cases affect elder patient with an average of 70 years of age. Feng et al isolated a new virus, the Merkel cell carcinoma polyoma virus (MCPyV). A causal relationship between MCPyV y MCC has been established. The virus is integrated in the genome and pro-duces specific mutations. MCC samples show ex-pression of viral oncoproteins (T antigens) that promote viral replication and tumorogenesis.

Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Eyelid

PURPOSE: To report a case of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the eyelid. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old male presented with a 5-month history of a right upper eyelid mass. The mass appeared as 1.2 × 1.2 cm on the right upper eyelid. A mass excision was performed under frozen section control. The tumor was completely excised with a safety margin clearance and an upper eyelid reconstruction was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a tumor composed of small atypical cells which showed a high nuclear/cytoplasm ratio, nuclear molding, and increased mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical examination revealed positive reactivity for Ki-67, synaptophysin, CD56, and negative reactivity for chromogranin, cytokeratin 20, and thyroid transcription factor-1. CONCLUSIONS: Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the eyelid is extremely rare, but the tumor has high malignancy and readily metastasizes. Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a rapidly growing eyelid mass.

Cytokeratin 20 negative Merkel cell carcinoma consistent with negative Merkel cell polyomavirus / 영남의대학술지

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that is highly aggressive in nature and indolent in progression. The common risk factors for MCC are senility, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and immune deficient states. Moreover, Merkel cell polyomavirus has recently been characterized to be significantly associated with pathogenesis of MCC, including the expression of Cytokeratin 20 (CK20). Diagnosis is often difficult since histopathological results require a number of differential diagnoses through immunohistochemical (IHC) stains with other cutaneous malignancies. A 67-year-old man presented with a solitary domeshaped erythematous round mass on the left upper arm for 2 months. Biopsy and IHC studies revealed findings consistent with Merkel Cell Carcinoma of neuroendocrine origin. Common IHC stains usually confirm positive findings for CK20, which is also recognized as the key component in making the diagnosis. We present a CK20 negative MCC in light of expanding the knowledge of unusually stained IHC results in MCC.

Cytokeratin 20 negative Merkel cell carcinoma consistent with negative Merkel cell polyomavirus / 영남의대학술지

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that is highly aggressive in nature and indolent in progression. The common risk factors for MCC are senility, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and immune deficient states. Moreover, Merkel cell polyomavirus has recently been characterized to be significantly associated with pathogenesis of MCC, including the expression of Cytokeratin 20 (CK20). Diagnosis is often difficult since histopathological results require a number of differential diagnoses through immunohistochemical (IHC) stains with other cutaneous malignancies. A 67-year-old man presented with a solitary domeshaped erythematous round mass on the left upper arm for 2 months. Biopsy and IHC studies revealed findings consistent with Merkel Cell Carcinoma of neuroendocrine origin. Common IHC stains usually confirm positive findings for CK20, which is also recognized as the key component in making the diagnosis. We present a CK20 negative MCC in light of expanding the knowledge of unusually stained IHC results in MCC.

The Detection of Messenger RNA for Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Cytokeratin 20 in Peritoneal Washing Fluid in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peritoneal micrometastasis is known to play an important role in the recurrence of gastric cancer. However, its effects remain equivocal. Herein, we examine the messenger RNA (mRNA) as tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and cytokeratin 20 (CK20), in peritoneal washing fluid. Moreover, we evaluate whether these results could predict the recurrence of gastric cancer following curative resection. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 132 patients with gastric cancers, who had received an operation, between January 2010 and January 2013. The peritoneal lavage fluid was collected at the operation field and semi-quantitative PCR was performed using the primers for CEA and CK20. We excluded patients with stage IA (n=28) early gastric cancer, positive cytologic examination of peritoneal washings (n=7), and those who were lost during follow up (n=18). RESULTS: A total of 79 patients with gastric cancers were enrolled, and the mean follow-up period was 39.95±19.25 months (range, 5-72 months). According to the multivariate analysis, T4 stage at the initial diagnosis was significantly associated with recurrence. All cases of recurrence were CEA positive and 6 cases were CK20 positive. The positive and negative predictive values of CEA were 32.0% and 100%, respectively, whereas those of CK20 were 37.5% and 71.4%, respectively. Disease free survival of CK20-negative cases was 36.17±20.28 months and that of CK20-positive cases was 32.06±22.95 months (p=0.39). CONCLUSIONS: It is unlikely that the real time polymerase chain reaction results of mRNA for CEA and CK20 in peritoneal washing fluid can predict recurrence. However, negative results can convince surgeons to perform curative R0 resection.

Ductal Breast Carcinoma Metastatic to the Stomach Resembling Primary Linitis Plastica in a Male Patient / 한국유방암학회지

Breast cancer metastases to the gastrointestinal tract are very rare occurrences. Among the histological subtypes of breast cancer, invasive lobular carcinomas have a high capacity of metastasis to uncommon sites including the stomach. Conversely, there has not been sufficient evidence supporting the gastric metastasis of invasive ductal carcinoma. Herein, we report a unique case of metastatic ductal breast carcinoma mimicking primary linitis plastica in a male patient, particularly focusing on the clinical and pathological features of presentation. Moreover, we propose a immunohistochemical panel of selected antibodies including those for cytokeratin 20, cytokeratin 7, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, E-cadherin, gross cystic disease fluid protein 15, and GATA binding protein 3 for an accurate differential diagnosis.

Up-regulation of ErbB3-binding protein 1 inhibits the growth of esophageal carcinoma cells / 生理学报

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of ErbB3-binding protein 1 (Ebp1) in the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and the underlying mechanism. Eca109 and KYSE150 cells were transfected with lentiviral vector carrying Ebp1 gene. The mRNA levels of Ebp1 in esophageal cancer tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were examined by real-time PCR. The growth and viability of esophageal carcinoma cells were assessed using MTT and crystal violet assays, respectively. Clone-forming abilities of Eca109 and KYSE150 cells were analyzed by soft agar assay. Apoptotic rates of esophageal carcinoma cells were detected by flow cytometry, and expression levels of the proteins involved in apoptosis were assessed by Western blot. Tumorigenicity of Eca109 cells were detected by nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment. The results indicated that the mRNA levels of Ebp1 in esophageal cancer tissues was down-regulated compared with paired adjacent normal tissues. The growth and viability of Eca109 and KYSE150 cells were all suppressed by Ebp1 overexpression. Besides, Ebp1 overexpression induced apoptosis, increased Rb and P53 expressions, and decreased CyclinD1 expression in Eca109 and KYSE150 cells. In addition, Ebp1 overexpression inhibited the tumorigenesis of Eca109 cells in vivo. These results suggest that Ebp1 may suppress the growth of esophageal carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis.

A Case of Metastatic Gastric Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Preseptal Cellulitis

Cutaneous metastasis from gastric adenocarcinoma is uncommon, and the eyelid is a rare metastatic site. Three patterns of clinical presentation of eyelid metastasis have been described: nodular, infiltrative, and ulcerated. The infiltrative pattern, also known as an inflammatory diffuse pattern or mask-like metastasis, can be easily misdiagnosed as cellulitis or contact dermatitis. Here, we report a case of gastric adenocarcinoma in a 75-year-old man who presented with a localized erythematous plaque on his eyelid that developed four months earlier. The patient had been treated with an antimicrobial agent owing to suspicion of preseptal cellulitis. Gastric adenocarcinoma metastasis was diagnosed on the basis of histopathological examination and immunophenotyping (i.e., cytoplasmic epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin- 7, cytokeratin-20, and carcinoembryonic antigen). For patients with malignant neoplasms, persistent skin lesions similar to cellulitis or contact dermatitis should be suspected of metastasis derived from an internal malignancy, even for very rare sites of metastasis.

A Rare Case of Primary Tubular Adenocarcinoma of the Thymus, Enteric Immunophenotype: A Case Study and Review of the Literature

Thymic carcinomas are uncommon malignant tumors, and thymic adenocarcinomas are extremely rare. Here, we describe a case of primary thymic adenocarcinoma in a 59-year-old woman. Histological examination of the tumor revealed tubular morphology with expression of cytokeratin 20 and caudal-type homeobox 2 according to immunohistochemistry, suggesting enteric features. Extensive clinical and radiological studies excluded the possibility of an extrathymic primary tumor. A review of the literature revealed only two global cases of primary tubular adenocarcinomas of the thymus with enteric immunophenotype.

Diagnostic value of SATB2, CK7 and CK20 in colorectal cancer / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the diagnostic value of SATB2, together with CK7 and CK20, in colorectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical study for SATB2, CK7 and CK20 was carried out in 210 cases of colorectal cancer tissue, 100 cases of non-colorectal cancer tissue, 90 cases of lymph node metastases and 50 cases of normal colorectal mucosa.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sensitivity and specificity of CK20+/CK7- immunophenotype for diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma were 78.1% and 92.0%, respectively. When triple markers were used, the immunophenotype CK20+/CK7-/SATB2+ had a sensitivity of 57.1% and a specificity of 98.0%. When combining the immunophenotype of SATB2+/CK7- or CK20+/CK7-, the sensitivity was 85.7% and specificity was 90.0%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A panel of immunohistochemical markers SATB2, CK7 and CK20 could increase the specificity for diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma significantly. SATB2 is considered as a useful adjunct in this respect.</p>

Cutaneous Metastasis of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis, Clinically Mimicking an Abscess / 대한피부과학회지

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), which comprises tumors of the ureter and renal pelvis, is a rare genitourinary malignancy. Among these tumors, transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the renal pelvis is highly uncommon, and cutaneous metastasis of this tumor is very rare. Herein, we report a case of cutaneous metastasis of TCC of the renal pelvis, clinically mimicking an abscess. A 79-year-old woman was diagnosed with TCC of the left renal pelvis, and underwent wide nephrectomy and chemotherapy in August 2012. She presented with painful, solitary 3 cm sized erythematous dome-shaped mass on the right lower abdomen that had been present for two weeks. We took biopsies of the center and periphery of the mass. Histopathological findings were consistent with cutaneous metastasis of TCC. Immunohistochemical examination showed strongly positive cytokeratin 7 staining, and negative cytokeratin 20 and thrombomodulin staining.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and histogenesis of mucinous tumor of peritoneum / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics, prognosis and histologic origin of the mucinous tumor of the peritoneum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to 2010 WHO classification of tumours of the digestive system, 34 cases diagnosed as "pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) " were reevaluated and divided into low grade and high grade. Immunohistochemistry was applied to investigate the expression of SATB2 and the histologic origin of the mucinous tumor of the peritoneum, using antibodies against SATB2, CK7, CK20 and CDX-2. The relationship between clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of the low grade and high grade tumors were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty five patients had low grade mucinous tumors (two of them were no cell type), nine patients had high grade mucinous tumors. There was no significant difference between low grade and high grade mucinous tumors in age, sex, recurrence and organs involvement (P>0.05). Thirty patients were followed up, the overall survival rates of patients with low grade and high grade mucinous tumors were 13/21 (61.9%) and 3/9, respectively. The median survival time was 74 and 24 months in low and high grade patients, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.002).Immunohistochemistry showed the expression rates of CDX-2, CK20, and CK7 in totally 32 cases (excluding 2 cases of no cell type) were 30/32(93.8%), 31/32 (96.9%), and 3/16, respectively; the expression rates of CDX-2, CK20, and CK7 in 16 cases with distinct primary site were 15, 16, and 1, respectively; fifteen of 16 cases of tumors of unknown primary site were positive for CDX-2 and CK20, two of the them were positive for CK7. There was no difference in the expression of CDX-2, CK20 and CK7 between tumors with distinct primary site and tumors with unknown primary site (P>0.05). The expression rate of SATB2 in the cases was 56.3% (18/32), excluding 2 cases of no cell type. There was no significant difference between low grade and high grade tumors in the expression of SATB2 [15/23(65.2%) vs 3/9, P=0.102], also SATB2 was not related to the prognosis of the tumor (P=0.786).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prognosis of the mucinous tumor of the peritoneum was significantly different between low grade and high grade according to WHO 2010 classification, and most mucinous tumor of the peritoneum originated from the appendix.</p>

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a clinicopathologic study of 16 cases / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) of the urinary bladder.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical and pathologic findings of 16 cases of PUC were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical study (MaxVision method) was carried out. The follow-up data were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were altogether 15 males and 1 female. The age of patients ranged from 40 years to 85 years (median = 64 years). Most patients (15/16) presented with hematuria. The tumor cells were small to medium in size and contained eccentric nuclei and moderate to abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, assuming a plasmacytoid appearance. The architectural pattern varied from loosely cohesive sheets to cords, papillae, small nests or gland-like structures. Most tumors invaded into the lamina propria or muscularis propria. Twelve of the 16 cases had concurrent conventional urothelial carcinoma component. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells in all cases were strongly positive for AE1/AE3, epithelial membrane antigen, CK7 and CK18. CK20 and uroplakin III were also expressed in 9 cases. CEA, p53, CD138, p63 and E-cadherin were positive in 12, 13, 15, 11 and 10 cases, respectively. Ki-67 index ranged from 5% to 70% (mean = 30%). All tumors were negative for vimentin, LCA, kappa/lambda light chains, S-100 protein, HMB 45,Melan A, smooth muscle actin and desmin. Follow-up information was available in 13 patients. The duration of follow up ranged from 3 months to 10 years. Three patients died of distant metastasis at 3, 27 and 60 months after the operation, respectively. One patient was alive with disease at 25 months. One was alive at 43 months with a prior recurrence. Another 8 patients were alive and disease free at 7 to 120 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PUC of the urinary bladder is a rare variant of high-grade urothelial carcinoma. Immunohistochemical study with positivity for CK7, CK20, p63 and uroplakin III and negative staining for vimentin and LCA may be helpful in the differential diagnosis. PUC is a malignant tumor with high invasiveness, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Radical cystectomy is considered as the first line treatment for PUC.</p>

Villous adenoma of the urinary tract: a clinicopathological study / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, differential diagnosis, pathogenesis and prognosis of villous adenoma with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the urinary tract.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical and pathologic findings of 3 cases of villous adenoma with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the urinary tract were analyzed by gross examination, microscopic investigation and immunohistochemical staining. The related literatures were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All of the three cases were middle-aged or elderly patients. Three cases all presented with hematuria and mucusuria. Endoscopic examination identified that case 1 had a polyp with broad attachment in the dome of bladder, case 2 had a solid mass in the ureter, and case 3 had a exophytic fungating tumor in the renal pelvis. Microscopically, case 1 revealed a papillary lesion with finger-like processes lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with abundant goblet cells. The cells demonstrated moderate degree dysplasia. In case 2 and case 3, both villous adenomas and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma were observed, the adenoma cells arranged in a cribriform pattern, and the tumor cells showed severe atypia, mitotic activity, and transition with invasive poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells in three cases were positive for CK20, CEA,EMA and MUC-1; none of them expressed cdx-2 and PSA; In case 2 and 3, the same immunophenotype of villous adenomas and their associated adenocarcinomas was observed, but the number of the positive cells of p53 and Ki-67 staining were significantly increased in the area of adenocarcinomas than in that of the villous adenomas.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Villous adenoma of the urinary tract is rare. It can occur in the urinary bladder, urachus, renal pelvis, ureter and urethra. These lesions may have malignant potential and frequently coexist with other malignant tumors. So, villous adenoma of the urinary tract should be removed completely and sampled thoroughly to avoid missing a more aggressive component.</p>

Detection of guanylate cyclase C mRNA and cytokeratin 20 mRNA in peripheral blood and analysis of prognosis in early to moderate colorectal cancer patients / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the associations of guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) mRNA and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) mRNA with metastasis and prognosis in early to moderate colorectal cancer patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>GC-C mRNA and CK 20 mRNA in peripheral blood of 74 colorectal cancer patients without distant metastasis were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR). Based on their clinicopathological and postoperative follow-up data, the relationship and clinical significance of these data with metastasis hazards and prognosis factors were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of GC-C mRNA in 74 colorectal cancer patients was 33.8% (25/74), and CK20 mRNA was 31.1% (23/74). The 1-, 2-, 3- year disease-free survival rates of patients were 94.6%, 82.4% and 78.4% respectively. There were significant differences in positive rates of GC-C mRNA and CK20 mRNA, tumor differentiation, mesentery lymph node metastasis, tumor embolus in vessel and postoperative chemotherapy associated with 3-year disease free survival rate by Kaplan-Meier analysis (all P<0.05). While mesentery lymph node metastasis and tumor embolus in vessel were independent risk factors of 3-year disease-free survival (P<0.05). CK20 mRNA and tumor embolus in vessel were independent risk factors of 3-year disease-free survival by analysis stratified with clinical stage (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Detection of CK20 mRNA and GC-C mRNA in peripheral blood may be important for early detection of early metastasis of colorectal cancer.</p>

Morphology, immunohistochemistry and hTERC gene in-situ hybridization in Barrett's esophagus / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of proximal gastric mucosa and mucosa of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in biopsy specimens.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Thirty-eight cases of Barrett's esophagus (diagnosed using WHO criteria) and 44 cases of proximal gastric mucosa were studied by immunohistochemistry (for CK7, CK20, CK4, CK8, S-100 protein, MUC6, COX2 and bcl-2) and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) (for hTERC gene). The pathologic features were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The differences in expression of CK7, CK20, MUC6, COX2 and bcl-2 between BE and proximal gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was however a statistically significant difference in expression of S-100 protein (P < 0.05). The expression of CK7/CK4 and CK7/CK8 in BE showed positive correlation (P < 0.05). However, such correlation was not demonstrated in proximal gastric mucosa (P > 0.05). The results of hTERC gene expression by FISH showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups: 57.9% (22/38) in BE and 13.6% (6/44) in proximal gastric mucosa (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The significance of CK7 and CK20 expression is uncertain in the differential diagnosis between BE and proximal gastric mucosa. On the other hand, positivity for CK7/CK4/CK8 may support the diagnosis of BE and play a role in distinguishing between the two groups. S-100 protein expression and detection of hTERC gene amplification also contribute to the diagnosis of BE.</p>

Clinical, Pathological, and Immunohistochemical Features of Adenomyoma in the Ampulla of Vater / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ampullary adenomyoma is a benign lesion whose malignant potential has yet to be confirmed. Despite its benign nature, adenomyoma is frequently misdiagnosed as a carcinoma or adenoma and is overtreated by extensive surgery. This study was performed to analyze the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical features of adenomyomas in the ampulla of Vater. METHODS: Nine cases of adenomyoma in the ampulla of Vater, diagnosed in Chungbuk National University Hospital between 2008 and 2011, were enrolled in this study. We reviewed the clinical data on the symptoms, laboratory data, and radiologic findings of the abdominal computed tomography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. For pathological analysis, all the slides were reviewed by one pathologist, and immunohistochemical stainings with antibodies against cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and Ki-67 antigen were performed. RESULTS: All the cases were CK7 positive and CK20 negative. A strong cytoplasmic expression of alpha-SMA was confirmed in all cases. The Ki-67 index was less than 1% in eight cases and 5% in one case. Four cases underwent endoscopic papillectomy, and one case received surgical ampullectomy during colorectal cancer surgery. Five cases that underwent endoscopic or surgical treatment remained symptom-free for three years. Four cases that were closely observed with repeated endoscopic examinations exhibited no interval changes in the papillary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic biopsy and immunohistochemistry can aid in the diagnosis of ampullary adenomyomas. Endoscopic papillectomy or surgical ampullectomy is adequate for the treatment of symptomatic ampullary adenomyomas.

Influence of surgical manipulation and surgical modality on the molecular detection of circulating tumor cells from colorectal cancer / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the detection of circulating tumor cell molecular markers from localized colorectal cancer and the time-course of a surgical manipulation or surgical modality. METHODS: From January 2010 to June 2010, samples from the peripheral blood and the inferior mesenteric vein were collected from 42 patients with cancer of the sigmoid colon or rectum. Pre-operative, intra-operative (both pre-mobilization and post-mobilization), and post-operative samples were collected. We examined carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA and cytokeratin-20 (CK20) mRNA by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Changes in mRNA detection rates were analyzed according to the time of blood sample collection, the surgical modality, and patient clinicopathological features. RESULTS: mRNA expression rates before surgical resection did not differ between blood samples from the peripheral and inferior mesenteric veins. The detection rate for CEA and CK20 mRNA showed a tendency to increase after operative mobilization of the cancer-bearing bowel segment. Furthermore, the cumulative detection rates for CEA and CK20 mRNA increased significantly over the course of surgery (pre-mobilization vs. post-mobilization). The cumulative detection rate decreased significantly after surgical resection compared with the pre-operative rates. However, no significant difference was observed in the detection rates between different surgical modalities (laparoscopy vs. open surgery). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that surgical manipulation has a negative influence on the dissemination of circulating tumor cells during operations on localized colorectal cancer. However, the type of surgical technique did not affect circulating tumor cells.

Expression of Cyclin D1, Cytokeratin 7, Cytokeratin 20 and Vimentin in Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Relationship with Patient's Prognostic Factors / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Cyclin D1, cytokeratin(CK)7, CK20 and vimentin play an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Our aim was to investigate the expression of cyclin D1, CK7, CK20 and vimentin in 138 papillary thyroid cancer and relationship with clinicobiological factors. We also tried to evaluate the value of those as prognostic factors. METHODS: We performed an immunohistochemical assay for cyclin D1, CK7, CK20, and vimentin in 138 papillary thyroid cancer tissue specimens. The correlation between these factors and the clinicobiological parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: In 138 papillary thyroid carcinoma specimens, the expression of cyclin D1, CK7, CK20 and vimentin was seen in 118 cases (85.5%), 133 cases (96.4%), 2 cases (1.4%) and 119 cases (86.2%), respectively. In our cases, there was a significant association among the expressions of cyclin D1, gender and lymph node metastasis. However, no obvious correlation was found between those proteins, age, tumor size, tumor amount, lymph node status and the TNM stage. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested increased cyclin D1 expression was seen in female gender and it may be a useful marker for evaluating lymph node metastasis. However, the clinical utility of cyclin D1, CK7, CK20 and vimentin in thyroid cancer patients has to be further defined by prospective studies with larger sample sizes.

Circulating Tumor Cells Detected by RT-PCR for CK-20 before Surgery Indicate Worse Prognostic Impact in Triple-Negative and HER2 Subtype Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Circulating tumor cells (CTC) clearly correlate with unfavorable outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer, but the long-term prognostic implications of CTC for molecular subtypes of operable breast cancer are not yet known. We explored the relationships between previously established prognostic factors and CTC in operable breast cancer, and the significance of CTC by breast cancer molecular subtype. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 166 patients with operable breast cancer (stage I-IIIA) diagnosed from April 1997 to May 2003. CTC were detected using cytokeratin-20 (CK-20) mRNA expression in peripheral blood samples that were collected just prior to surgery under general anesthesia. Clinicopathological characteristics of the cancer were analyzed according to CTC status. Metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to CTC status and breast cancer molecular subtype. RESULTS: CK-20 mRNA-positive CTC was detected in 37 of 166 patients (22.3%) and was not correlated with any previous clinical factors in univariate analysis (p>0.05). After a median follow-up of 100 months, the patients with CK-20 mRNA-positive CTC had less favorable outcomes in terms of MFS and OS than those without detectable CTC (log-rank p<0.05). Among molecular subtypes of operable breast cancer, the patients with CK-20 mRNA-positive CTC had shorter MFS and OS in triple negative and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) breast cancer subtype (log-rank, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: CK-20 mRNA-positive CTC may lend insight into tumor progression as a prognostic indicator especially in the triple negative and HER2 subtypes of operable breast cancer.