OncoReview

Hormonal receptor status with relation of subtypes and association of proliferation marker Ki-67 in breast cancer patients; a potential biomarker in patients with breast cancer

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Hormone receptor status is an important prognostic and therapeutic tool in breast cancer. The present study aimed to determine the comprehensive analysis of hormone receptor status and Ki-67 in breast cancer patients at a tertiary cancer centre.

Methods: The relationship of subtypes ER+PR+, ER+PR-, HER2 subtype (Luminal HER2; ER+PR+HER2+), and HER2 enriched (ER-PR-HER2+) status with multiple variables were evaluated. The expression of Ki-67 was strongly associated with cancer proliferation and is a known indicator of prognosis and outcome. The study was carried out in Savera Cancer and Multispeciality Hospital, Patna, India.

Result: This study includes a total of (n=979) breast cancer cases diagnosed at our centre, out of which (n=335; 34.22%) cases went through hormonal investigation. Luminal A (31.05%) subtype was the most prevalent, followed by triple negative (20.16%), luminal B (8.4%), and HER2-positive (20.05%). Majority of the tumours were located on right side (n=186; 55.52%), on the left (n=131; 39.1%) and bilateral (n=18; 5.37%) not significant (P <0.0003). As per ECOG performance status criteria 148 (44.17%) patients were on scale 3, 89 (26.56%) – on scale 2 and 24, 37, and 37 – on scale 0, 1 and 4 respectively statistical value (P=0.325). Remarkable finding in this study Ki-67 level was increased in >50% cases of TNBCs which was significant (P=0.05). As per AJCC staging criteria (n=205; 61.19%) cases were in stage III (locally advanced breast cancer). The value was significant (P=0.05). A total of 236 (72.39%) patients are alive with life expectancy of >24 months.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this retrospective study demonstrated a high prevalence rate of triple negative breast cancer at our centre. Majority of cases were of TNBC subtypes. Another remarkable finding of this study was, in majority of triple negative cases Ki-67 level was >50%. Elevated level of Ki-67 indicated the aggressiveness of tumor types.

Recombinant ADAMT S-13 as a new alternative for the patients with congenital thrombocytopenic purpura

Izabela Filar, Michał Witkowski, Wiktoria Ryżewska, Tadeusz Robak — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Congenital thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP), also known as Upshaw–Schulman syndrome is a rare disease, caused by ADAMTS13 deficiency. This condition may result in various complications, including haemolytic anaemia, renal dysfunction or thrombotic events. To this very day, the most common treatment of this condition is transfusion of fresh frozen plasma.

Recently, recombinant ADAMTS13 (rADAMTS13) has been introduced, representing a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of cTTP, and giving patients new, more comfortable alternative.

We present here a case report of a patient with congenital thrombocytopenic purpura, who after 30 years of being treated with FFP transfusions and developing complications from both the disease and its treatment, was successfully transitioned to rADAMTS13 therapy.

Exposure to selected environmental xenoestrogens and breast cancer – a review of recent studies

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women worldwide and poses a significant
challenge to modern medicine and public health. The increase in the incidence of this type
of cancer is associated with various factors, including genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and exposure to
harmful environmental substances. In recent years, particular attention has been paid to xenoestrogens
– synthetic chemical compounds present in the environment that mimic the action of natural
estrogens and can disrupt the human hormonal system. Xenoestrogens are found in many everyday
products, such as plastic packaging, cosmetics, detergents, and some pesticides. Scientists increasingly
indicate a possible link between their action and an increased risk of breast cancer development.
The mechanism of action of these substances is based on their ability to bind to estrogen receptors
in the body's cells, which may promote uncontrolled cell division and the development of cancerous
changes. This paper aims to present the mechanisms of action of selected environmental xenoestrogens,
their sources in the human environment, and discuss current research on their potential impact
on breast cancer risk.