c-MET overexpression as a prognostic biomarker in colorectal adenocarcinoma

There is a need for informative molecular markers that provide prognostic information over and above that given by conventional pathologic parameters. This study examined the expression and potential prognostic value of c-MET in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Two-hundred and thirty cases were evaluable after tissue microarray construction and evaluated for c-MET expression by immunohistochemistry. The results were correlated with standard clinicopathologic prognostic factors. Cases were followed up for 5 years. c-MET was highly expressed in 138 of 230 cases [60%]. In normal tissues a negative or weak reaction was observed. Significantly higher c-MET expression was found in the metastatic group [p=0.04]. No significant association was found in relation to age, sex, tumor site, tumor size, histological type, or tumor grade [p > 0.05]. The 5-year disease free survival for patients with low levels of expression was significantly higher than that for patients with high levels [64% versus 45%, p=0.04]. c-MET seems to be a valuable biomarker in colorectal adenocarcinoma; overexpression is a useful prognostic indicator for metastasis and patient outcome

Angiomyfibroblastoma of the vulva: report of a rare distinct entity

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of lower female genital tract. It has characteristic histomorphology and shows myofibroblastic differentiation. Clinically it is imperative to differentiate angiomyofibroblastoma from other mesenchymal tumors of this region especially aggressive angiomyxoma which is locally infiltrative and needs long term follow-up. We report clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features of a case of angiomyofibroblastoma and discuss relevant points regarding histogenesis and biological behaviour. We stress the need to recognize this tumor on clinicopathologic basis to avoid any potential therapeutic implications