Immunohistochemical expression of hypoxia inducible factor in breast cancer

The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor of l alpha [HIF - l alpha] in breast carcinoma and its relation to various pathological prognostic indicators of breast carcinoma. We examined, by immunohistochemical analysis, the expression of HIF-l alpha in 66 cases of invasive breast carcinoma and 10 cases of non-carcinoatous breast lesions as a control group [5 fibroadenomas and 5 cases of fibrocystic disease]. In invasive breast carcinoma, we correlate the expression of HIF- l alpha with tumor size, histological grade of carcinoma, angiolymphatic embolization, lymph node status and the level of hormonal receptors expression. HIF-l alpha was detected in tumor cell nuclei of 50/66 [75%] of our cases while the control group was negative. Positive correlation was present between HIF-l alpha expression and higher histological grade, larger tumor size, positive angiolymphatic embolization, lymph node positivity and hormonal receptor negativity. These findings suggest that HIF-l alpha may be closely linked to an aggressive phenotype in breast cancer

Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus [BE] has a malignant potential. Neither acid suppression nor anti reflux surgery produce consistent or complete regression of metaplastic epithelium. Is to determine the efficacy of endoscopic therapy in management of BE. This study was carried out on 25 patients [18 males and 7 Females], with BE that was confirmed by biopsy and histopatholoay. According to the histopathological examination, 24 patients had BE with no dysplasia or low-grade dysplasia [LGD]. Ablation of Barrett's mucosa in those patients was done using argon plasma coagulation [APC]. Also, one patient who had [BE] with high-grade dysplasia [HGD]. Ablation of Barrett's mucosa in this patient was done using EMR [endoscopic mucosal resection]. As regards APC, successful ablation was achieved with complete clearance of BE in [71%] of patients and during the follow-up period only [12%] of those patients revealed buried BE glands on histopathological examinations. Complications as self-limiting chest discomfort [25%], odynophagia [20%], and temporary dysphagia [4%] were observed during the follow-up period. As regards EMR, it was performed only in one patient who had BE with HGD. The procedure was performed using lift and cut technique. EMR in this study was successful with no complications. Argon plasma coagulation [APC] ablative therapy for [BE] proved to be safe and well tolerated, with only minor self-limiting side effects. -Endoscopic mucosal resection [EMR], in ablation of BE with HGD, is an emerging and promising technique in treatment of 4splastic and malignant lesions within BE