High Ki-67 Research Articles

Immunohistochemical analysis of CD9, CD29and epithelial to mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast carcinomas (TNBC) are aheterogeneous group of tumors with mostly aggressive behaviour and poor prognosis. In association with their aggressive behavior and chemoresistance to treatment, the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has come to the fore. CD9and CD29proteins are associated with EMT and may play arole in TNBC progression. Our aim was to investigate association of these markers with the lymph node metastasis, tumor grade, proliferative activity, and patient survival. Our cohort consisted of 66TNBC patients without neoadjuvant therapy, aged 26-81years. The pathological tumor stages ranged from pT1b to pT3and histological grades ranged from II to III, according to the Bloom-Richardson system. Immunohistochemical evaluation of CD9, CD29, E-cadherin, vimentin, androgen receptor and Ki-67expression was performed semiquantitatively using the H-score. Expression of the proteins was statistically evaluated in relation to the clinicopathological parameters and survival of the patients. We observed lower expression of CD9in lymph node metastases compared to the primary tumor (P=0.021). The CD29expression in primary tumor was significantly lower in patients with lymph node metastases compared to patients without cancer dissemination (P=0.03). Neither CD9nor CD29protein expression was associated with breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Lower expression of E-cadherin at the periphery of the primary tumor was associated with worse BCSS (P=0.038). Neither grade nor the presence of lymph node metastases reached significant association with the BCSS. Lower expression of E-cadherin at the periphery was also associated with higher Ki67(Rs -0.26) and vimentin (Rs -0.33). Decreased protein expression of CD9and CD29were associated with lymph node metastasis growth, however, their association with survival was not proved. Lower expression of E-cadherin at the periphery of the primary tumor was associated with high proliferation and poor breast cancer-specific survival.

Significance of RCC2, Rac1 and p53 Expression in Breast Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma; An Immunohistochemical Study.

The regulator of chromosome condensation 2 (RCC2) and RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) have been implicated in the promotion of breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. The signaling pathway involving p53/RCC2/Rac1 has been proposed to contribute to the regulation of colon cancer metastasis. However, until now, this pathway has not been thoroughly investigated in breast cancer. This study seeks to explore the influence of immunohistochemical expression and the correlation among RCC2, Rac1, and p53 in breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC). Immunostaining was performed on 120 breast IDC specimens using RCC2, Rac1, and p53 antibodies. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the correlations between these antibodies. A Positive expression of RCC2, Rac1, and p53 was observed in 116 (96.7%), 120 (100%), and 33 (27.5%) of the breast cancer cases, respectively. RCC2, Rac1, and p53 demonstrated association with poor prognostic parameters such as frequent mitoses, high Ki-67 status, positive lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and advanced tumor stage. A highly significant direct correlation was found between each immunohistochemical marker and the other two markers. Shorter overall survival was linked to multifocal tumors (P=0.017), advanced tumor stage (T3) (P=0.010), Luminal B subtype (P=0.015), progressive disease (P=0.003), positive Her2neu status (P=0.008), and metastasis to distant organs (P<0.001). However, RCC2, Rac1, and p53 did not exhibit a significant association with overall survival. The high expression levels of RCC2, Rac1, and p53 in breast IDC suggest their potential role in tumor behavior. The association of RCC2 and Rac1 with poor prognostic parameters may serve as predictive indicators for aggressive tumors, thus implying that targeted therapy could be beneficial in the treatment of breast cancer.

Predictive Value of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Ki-67 for Pathological Response to Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer.

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who underwent total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) showed an increase in the percentage of complete pathological response (pCR). The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between Ki-67, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and TNT in LARC patients. In total, one hundred fifty-nine patients with LARC were included in this prospective study. The international working group was used to categorize the TIL into three groups based on the percentage and density of staining: group 0 (0-10%), group 1 (11-59%), and group 2 (≥ 60%). Ki-67 expression was classified as low (≤ 50%) or high (> 50%). Most patients had tumor grade III (74.2%) and T2-T3 (78.6%). Lymph node involvement (48.7%) and tumor size ≥ 3cm were detected in approximately half of the patients. Forty-four percent of patients had a high Ki-67 index; 15.7% of patients belonged to group 1, and 21.4% belonged to group 2. pCR was detected in 18.2% of the patients. TIL and Ki-67 levels were significantly correlated with pCR (p = 0.001 and 0.003 for multivariate analysis and 0.001 and 0.03 for univariate analysis, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between Ki-67, TIL, and pCR following TNT protocol, which may help maximize the therapeutic outcome.

Development and validation of a model for predicting the expression of Ki-67 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with radiological features and dual-energy computed tomography quantitative parameters

ObjectiveTo construct and validate a model based on the dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) quantitative parameters and radiological features to predict Ki-67 expression levels in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Materials and methodsData from 143 PDAC patients were analysed. The variables of clinic, radiology and DECT were evaluated. In the arterial phase and portal venous phase (PVP), the normalized iodine concentration (NIC), normalized effective atomic number and slope of the spectral attenuation curves were measured. The extracellular volume fraction (ECVf) was measured in the equilibrium phase. Univariate analysis was used to screen independent risk factors to predict Ki-67 expression. The Radiology, DECT and DECT–Radiology models were constructed, and their diagnostic effectiveness and clinical applicability were obtained through area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis, respectively. The nomogram was established based on the optimal model, and its goodness-of-fit was assessed by a calibration curve.ResultsComputed tomography reported regional lymph node status, NIC of PVP, and ECVf were independent predictors for Ki-67 expression prediction. The AUCs of the Radiology, DECT, and DECT–Radiology models were 0.705, 0.884, and 0.905, respectively, in the training cohort, and 0.669, 0.835, and 0.865, respectively, in the validation cohort. The DECT–Radiology nomogram was established based on the DECT–Radiology model, which showed the highest net benefit and satisfactory consistency.ConclusionsThe DECT–Radiology model shows favourable predictive efficacy for Ki-67 expression, which may be of value for clinical decision-making in PDAC patients.Critical relevance statementThe DECT–Radiology model could contribute to the preoperative and non-invasive assessment of Ki-67 expression of PDAC, which may help clinicians to screen out PDAC patients with high Ki-67 expression.Key points• Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can predict Ki-67 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).• The DECT–Radiology model facilitates preoperative and non-invasive assessment of PDAC Ki-67 expression.• The nomogram may help screen out PDAC patients with high Ki-67 expression.Graphical

Assessment of Ki-67 expression in cases of prostatic carcinoma and its correlation with clinical outcomes.

Treatment decisions after diagnosis of clinically localized prostate cancer are difficult due to variability in tumor behavior. As there is a high prevalence of low-grade prostate cancer with an indolent course, we need improved markers of prostate cancer lethality in order to reduce the overtreatment. In the current study, we assessed Ki-67 expression in cases of prostate carcinoma and correlated its expression with clinical outcomes. It was a single-center retrospective descriptive type of study. A total of 50 cases were included. Diagnosed cases of adenocarcinoma on Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) chips and Trucut prostatic biopsies (Archival biopsy specimens) for whom five years follow-up was available from record files and/or telephonic interviews were included. The clinical outcomes (rate of distant metastases, disease specific survival, and overall survival) over a period of five years were recorded. In the current study, 78% of the cases of carcinoma prostate were positive for Ki-67 expression. The mean Ki-67 staining index was 15.22% among the cases. The cases with High Ki-67 Staining index had a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis, poor disease-specific survival, and overall survival compared to cases with low Ki-67 staining index. Ki-67 can be used along with the other established prognostic parameters to assess the lethality of prostate cancer.

Predicting abiraterone efficacy in advanced prostate cancer: Insights from marker of proliferation Ki-67.

176 Background: The marker of proliferation Ki-67 (KI67) is a well-known biomarker reflecting cell proliferation activity and was reported to be associated with the treatment efficacy of chemotherapy in different tumors. However, it is unknown whether KI67 also has a role in predicting the efficacy of the next-generation hormone therapies, e.g., abiraterone, for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: Clinicopathological data of 144 men with metastatic PCa who received abiraterone therapy were retrospectively collected. The KI67 positivity was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the prostate biopsy specimen. The predictive value of KI67 and other factors on the therapeutic efficacy of abiraterone treatment was explored. Kaplan-Meier curve and COX regression analysis were used for survival analysis. The endpoints were PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) according to the PCWG3 criteria. Results: Among the 144 included patients, 82 (56.9%) and 62 (43.1%), respectively, received abiraterone therapy at metastatic hormone-sensitive (mHSPC) and castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) stage. The median KI67 positivity was 20% for the total cohort (interquartile range: 10%-30%). When taken as a continuous variable, KI67 positivity was adversely related to both PSA-PFS (HR, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.01-1.03, P=0.001) and rPFS (HR, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.02-1.03, P=0.001) of the abiraterone therapy, while was not associated with PSA response. The results of multivariate COX regression analysis implied that, after adjusting by mHSPC/mCRPC stage, ISUP grading, pain score, visceral metastasis, and metastatic burden, KI67 was still an independent predictor of PSA-PFS (HR, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.01-1.03, P=0.001) and rPFS (HR, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.01-1.03, P=0.008) of the abiraterone therapy. Moreover, when patients were divided into two groups with high and low KI67, using cutoffs of 10%, 20%, and 30%, KI67 remained a significant predictor of both PSA-PFS (HR: 1.67, 1.91, 2.29; P value: 0.052, 0.004, &lt;0.001) and rPFS (HR: 1.54, 1.83, 1.88; P value: 0.119, 0.008, 0.008) of the abiraterone treatment. Subgroup analysis based on whether patients received abiraterone at mHSPC or mCRPC stage suggested that KI67 30% (median PSA-PFS: 11.4- vs. 27.6-Mo, P&lt;0.001; median rPFS: 16.6- vs. 33.6-Mo, P=0.001) was the optimal cutoff to maximize patient prognostic differentiation for the mHSPC cohort, while KI67 20% (median PSA-PFS: 6.9- vs. 14.9-Mo, P=0.033; median rPFS: 10.1- vs. 16.5-Mo, P=0.030) was the optimal cutoff for the mCRPC cohort. Conclusions: Our study revealed that KI67 positivity in prostate biopsy specimens was a robust predictor of abiraterone efficacy for patients with advanced PCa. Further validation using datasets from other centers is needed to strengthen the findings of our work.

Are embryonic stem cell markers and ALDH1A1 relevant in the context of breast cancer estrogen positivity?

Embryonic pluripotency markers are recognized for their role in ER- BC aggressiveness, but their significance in ER+ BC remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of expression of pluripotency markers in ER+ BC and their effect on survival and prognostic indicators. We analyzed data of ER+ BC patients from three large cancer datasets to assess the expression of three pluripotency markers (NANOG, SOX-2, and OCT4), and the stem cell marker ALDH1A1. Additionally, we investigated associations between gene expression, through mRNA-Seq analysis, and overall survival (OS). The prevalence of mutational variants within these genes was explored. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we examined the expression and associations with clinicopathologic prognostic indicators of the four markers in 81 ER+ BC patients. Through computational analysis, NANOG and ALDH1A1 genes were significantly upregulated in ER+ BC compared to ER- BC patients (p < 0.001), while POU5F1 (OCT4) was downregulated (p < 0.001). NANOG showed an adverse impact on OS whereas ALDH1A1 was associated with a highly significant improved survival in ER+ BC (p = 4.7e-6), except for the PR- and HER2+ subgroups. Copy number alterations (CNAs) ranged from 0.4% to 1.6% in these genes, with the highest rate detected in SOX2. In the IHC study, approximately one-third of tumors showed moderate to strong expression of each of the four markers, with 2-4 markers strongly co-expressed in 56.8% of cases. OCT-4 and ALDH1A1 showed a significant association with a high KI-67 index (p = 0.009 and 0.008, respectively), while SOX2 showed a significant association with perinodal fat invasion (p = 0.017). Pluripotency markers and ALDH1A1 are substantially expressed in ER+ BC tumors with different, yet significant, associations with prognostic and survival outcomes. This study suggests these markers as targets for prospective clinical validation studies of their prognostic value and their possible therapeutic roles.

Risk factors for recurrent disease after resection of solitary fibrous tumor: a systematic review.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare soft tissue tumor found at any site of the body. The treatment of choice is surgical resection, though 10%-30% of patients experience recurrent disease. Multiple risk factors and risk stratification systems have been investigated to predict which patients are at risk of recurrence. The main goal of this systematic review is to create an up-to-date systematic overview of risk factors and risk stratification systems predicting recurrence for patients with surgically resected SFT within torso and extremities. We prepared the review following the updated Prisma guidelines for systematic reviews (PRISMA-P). Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WHO international trial registry platform and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched up to December 2022. All English studies describing risk factors for recurrence after resected SFT were included. We excluded SFT in the central nervous system and the oto-rhino-laryngology region. Eighty-one retrospective studies were identified. Different risk factors including age, symptoms, sex, resection margins, anatomic location, mitotic index, pleomorphism, hypercellularity, necrosis, size, dedifferentiation, CD-34 expression, Ki67 index and TP53-expression, APAF1-inactivation, TERT promoter mutation and NAB2::STAT6 fusion variants were investigated in a narrative manner. We found that high mitotic index, Ki67 index and presence of necrosis increased the risk of recurrence after surgically resected SFT, whereas other factors had more varying prognostic value. We also summarized the currently available different risk stratification systems, and found eight different systems with a varying degree of ability to stratify patients into low, intermediate or high recurrence risk. Mitotic index, necrosis and Ki67 index are the most solid risk factors for recurrence. TERT promoter mutation seems a promising component in future risk stratification models. The Demicco risk stratification system is the most validated and widely used, however the G-score model may appear to be superior due to longer follow-up time. CRD42023421358.

Nuclear size and pleiomorphism of breast cancer cells at high and low Ki-67 proliferation index

Background: Breast cancer cells are characterized by enlargement of nuclei and variation of nuclear size. The more anaplastic of cell nuclei reflect more aggressive and malignant cells that affect increase proliferation rate. The aim of this study is to reveal whether there was any difference of anaplastic characteristic of breast cancer cells in high and low degree of proliferation rate. Material and Methods: Twenty-three cases of breast cancer were collected from archive of Pathology Department composed of high and low Ki-67 proliferations index. Anaplastic characteristics of cancer cells were obtained by measuring the area and pleomorphism of breast cancer cells in cytologic specimen from aspiration biopsy material. Result and Discussion: There were no differences between breast cancer cells’ size between high and low Ki-67 proliferation index while there was a difference pleomorphism between high and low Ki67. Conclusion: The degree of anaplasia in breast cancer cells has a relationship with cancer cells proliferation. Further research should be made to reveal the mechanism of this phenomenon.

A gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI-based model using LI-RADS v2018 features for preoperatively predicting Ki-67 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

PurposeTo construct a gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) -based multivariable model to predict Ki-67 expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using LI-RADS v2018 imaging features.MethodsA total of 121 patients with HCC who underwent EOB-MRI were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to Ki-67 cut-offs: Ki-67 ≥ 20% (n = 86) vs. Ki-67 < 20% (n = 35); Ki-67 ≥ 30% (n = 73) vs. Ki-67 < 30% (n = 48); Ki-67 ≥ 50% (n = 45) vs. Ki-67 < 50% (n = 76). MRI features were analyzed to be associated with high Ki-67 expression using logistic regression to construct multivariable models. The performance characteristic of the models for the prediction of high Ki-67 expression was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThe presence of mosaic architecture (p = 0.045), the presence of infiltrative appearance (p = 0.039), and the absence of targetoid hepatobiliary phase (HBP, p = 0.035) were independent differential factors for the prediction of high Ki-67 status (≥ 50% vs. < 50%) in HCC patients, while no features could predict high Ki-67 status with thresholds of 20% (≥ 20% vs. < 20%) and 30% (≥ 30% vs. < 30%) (p > 0.05). Four models were constructed including model A (mosaic architecture and infiltrated appearance), model B (mosaic architecture and targetoid HBP), model C (infiltrated appearance and targetoid HBP), and model D (mosaic architecture, infiltrated appearance and targetoid HBP). The model D yielded better diagnostic performance than the model C (0.776 vs. 0.669, p = 0.002), but a comparable AUC than model A (0.776 vs. 0.781, p = 0.855) and model B (0.776 vs. 0.746, p = 0.076).ConclusionsMosaic architecture, infiltrated appearance and targetoid HBP were sensitive imaging features for predicting Ki-67 index ≥ 50% and EOB-MRI model based on LI-RADS v2018 features may be an effective imaging approach for the risk stratification of patients with HCC before surgery.

The association of PD-L1 expression and CD8-positive T cell infiltration rate with the pathological complete response after neoadjuvant treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Achieving a pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer patients is the most significant prognostic indicator, suggesting a low risk of recurrence and a survival advantage. This study aims to investigate clinicopathological parameters that can predict the response to neoadjuvant treatment in HER2 + breast cancers and to explore the roles of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD8 + T lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression. This single-centre retrospective study was conducted with 85 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after receiving neoadjuvant therapy between January 2017 and January 2020. Paraffin blocks from these patients were selected for immunohistochemical studies. A complete pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment was determined in 39 (45.9%) patients. High Ki-67 index (> 30%), moderate to high TIL infiltration, PD-L1 positivity and high CD8 cell count (≥ 25) were significantly associated with pCR in univariate analyses (p: 0.023, 0.025, 0.017 and 0.003, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis identified high Ki-67 index (> 30%) and CD8 cell infiltration as independent predictors for pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer. High Ki-67 index, and high CD8 cell count are strong predictors for pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer. Tumours with high Ki-67 index, high TILs and CD8 infiltration may represent a subgroup where standard therapies are adequate. Conversely, those with low TILs and CD8 infiltration may identify a subgroup where use of novel strategies, including those that increase CD8 infiltration could be applied.

Real-world data on neoadjuvant chemotherapy with dual-anti HER2 therapy in HER2 positive breast cancer

BackgroundNeoadjuvant chemotherapy with dual-targeted therapy is the standard treatment for human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Although the dual-targeted therapy has significantly improved the pathological complete response (pCR) rate, further investigation is needed to identify biomarkers that predict the response to neoadjuvant therapy.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 353 patients with HER2-positive breast invasive ductal carcinoma. The correlation between clinicopathological factors and pCR rate was evaluated. A nomogram was constructed based on the results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict the probability of pCR.ResultsThe breast pCR (b-pCR) rate was 56.1% (198/353) and the total pCR (t-pCR) rate was 52.7% (186/353). Multivariate analysis identified ER status, PR status, HER2 status, Ki-67 index, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens as independent indicators for both b-pCR and t-pCR. The nomogram had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68–0.78). According to the nomogram, the t- pCR rate was highest in the ER-PR- HER2-positive patients (131/208) and lowest in the ER + PR + HER2-positive patients (19/73). The subgroup analyses showed that there was no significant difference in pCR rate among the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens in ER positive, PR positive, HER2 IHC 2 + , Ki67 index < 30% population. However, for ER-PR-HER2-positive patients, the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen has a great influence on the pCR rates.ConclusionsPatients with ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2 3 + and high KI-67 index were more likely to achieve pCR. THP may be used as an alternative to AC-THP or TCbHP in selected HER2-positive patients.

Apparent diffusion coefficient in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging noninvasively predicts Ki-67 expression.

Tumor Ki-67 expression reflects prognosis and cancer grade, and biopsy-based preoperative assessment of Ki-67 expression is key to treatment. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained with this imaging may noninvasively predict Ki-67 by reflecting tumor cell density and limited water molecule movement from irregular alignment. This study aimed to investigate the ability of ADC values to predict Ki-67 expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We retrospectively analyzed 39 cases of ICC confirmed by surgical pathology. All patients had undergone magnetic resonance imaging, and ADC values (mean, minimum, and maximum) were calculated. Ki-67 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and patients were divided into groups of high (n=18) and low (n=21) Ki-67 expression. To assess the diagnostic performance of the ADC values for Ki-67 expression, we used the receiver operating characteristic curve and compared the areas under the curve (AUC). The mean and minimum ADC values were significantly lower in the group with high Ki-67 expression. For predicting high Ki-67 expression, the AUC values were 0.701 for mean ADC, 0.818 for minimum ADC, and 0.571 for maximum ADC. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the minimum ADC values were 88.9% and 76.2%, respectively. In addition, with ADC values combined, the AUC increased to 0.831. Apparent diffusion coefficient is a useful predictor of Ki-67 expression level in ICC. Apparent diffusion coefficient values, especially minimum ADC values, can noninvasively predict ICC associated with high Ki-67 expression.

Correlation between PD-L1 and Ki-67 Expression at various T-stage Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant neoplasm originating from renal epithelium, with the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)being the most common type (80%) and the most common cause of death among other types of kidney cancer. Pathological stage is an important parameter that affects ccRCC survival, followed by nuclear grade. Pathological staging of RCC according to the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) TNM system 8th edition is based on local extension of the main tumor (T), involvement of lymph node (N), and metastasis (M). Ki-67 is a marker of proliferation used to assess tumor grade. High Ki-67 correlates with poor prognosis, advanced clinical and pathological features, thus Ki-67 can be used as a biomarker in the management of RCC.Ki-67 is routinely used to see the proliferation index in various cases of malignancy, but not in kidney malignancy. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) acts as a negative regulator of T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. PD-L1 is expressed on T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, endothelial cells and in various tumor cells including ccRCC. This study aims to determine the correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and Ki-67 in various T-stage clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Material and Method: This was an observational analytical study with cross-sectional approach toward 52 cases of ccRCC whose diagnosis was made histopathologically at the Anatomical Pathology Installation of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya from January 2014 to December 2020. Immunohistochemical stainingwas carried out using Ki-67 and PD-L1 antibodies, followed by an assessment using a scoring system. T-stage data were obtained from the patients’ medical recordswhich were then analyzed statistically with the Spearman test. Result: The study included 52 cases of ccRCC obtained from nephrectomy specimens at RSUD dr. Soetomo between 2014–2020. The age distribution of the subjects was 29–69 years and the mean and median age was 53 years. The ratio of male patients compared to female patients was 2.5:1. The majority was stage T2 (50%). Statistical test results showed no correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and Ki-67 in various T-stage clear cell renal cell carcinomas (p=0.965 and p=0.680). Conclusion: This study showed no correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and Ki-67 in various T-stage clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Nonetheless PD-L1 can be considered as an important biomarker with a poorer prognosis and aggressive clinicopathological findings in patients with RCC.

Neoadjuvant docetaxel/carboplatin/trastuzumab/pertuzumab (TCHP) in patients with HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer

The widespread use of anti-HER2 drugs has fundamentally changed the fate of patients with both early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). The results of clinical studies demonstrate a significant increase in the frequency of achieving complete pathological response (pCR) and, as a consequence, improved survival rates when using the combination of docetaxel + carboplatin + trastuzumab + pertuzumab (TCHP) in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for HER2+ breast cancer, which is reflected in modern domestic and international guidelines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the TCHP regimen, as well as to identify independent clinical and morphological factors in achieving pCR. The study included 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer of stages II and III who received TCHP regimen in neoadjuvant setting, 233 were operated. The rate of achieving complete pathomorphological response (pCR, RCB 0) was 63 %, in the nonluminal HER2-positive subtype – 76 %, in the luminal HER2-positive subtype – 55 %. Predictors of pCR were the absence of hormonal receptors in the tumor (OR = 1.72; 95 % CI: 1.17–2.54; р = 0,01), as well as a high (&gt;50 %) Ki-67 proliferation index (OR = 1.4; 95 % CI: 1.01–1.98; р = 0,05). The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor as primary prevention has reduced the risk of febrile neutropenia and mucositis. Further observation of patients will allow us to evaluate the long-term results of neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer using the TCHP regimen in our population.

Epithelioid Hemangioma Masquerading as Traumatic Lesion: A Rare Case Report with Diagnostic Workup

Abstract Wells and Whemser first identified epithelioid hemangioma (EH) as angiolymphoid hyperplasia in 1969. It is a rare type of vascular tumor that primarily affects men in their middle ages. Typically, it appears as a single or few reddish-to-brown nodules. EHs of the oral cavity have only seldom been reported up to this point. Histologically, it is distinguished by lobular vessel configuration, tombstone-like epithelioid cells lining the vessel wall, and a persistent inflammatory infiltration predominately made up of eosinophils. Although the terms EH and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma are sometimes confused, the two are distinct based on histopathology and a number of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers, including high Ki67 index and ERG positivity observed later. Local trauma to a nearby vessel may be one of the etiopathogeneses for this entity. This is a rare case report of EH that was identified with the use of a panel of IHC markers and hematoxylin and eosin histology.

Usefulness of intratumoral perfusion analysis for assessing biological features of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm.

Here, we evaluated the usefulness of intratumoral perfusion analysis using preoperative contrast-enhanced CT (E-CT) to assess biological features of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NF-PanNENs). We retrospectively studied 44 patients who underwent curative surgery for NF-PanNENs. We used preoperative E-CT with compartment model analysis to calculate the tumor perfusion parameters K1 (inflow rate constant), 1/k2 (mean transit time), and K1/k2 (distribution volume). We assessed the association between perfusion parameters and biological features of NF-PanNENs, including the WHO classification tumor histopathological grade and prognosis after surgery. Patients in this study had a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) G1 (n = 32) or NET G2 (n = 12). Neither NET G3 or NEC tumors were observed. Among perfusion parameters, K1 was the most accurate predictor of the high-grade tumor (AUC: 0.726). K1-low (< 0.028 s-1) was significantly associated with large tumors (≥ 20 mm) (p = 0.022), high mitotic index (p = 0.017), high Ki-67 index (p = 0.004), and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.025). Synchronous extra-pancreatic metastasis, including lymph node metastasis or liver metastasis, more frequently developed in K1-low patients than in K1-high patients (29% vs 4%, p = 0.025). Disease-free survival of patients with a K1-low tumor was poorer than that of patients with a K1-high tumor (p = 0.005). Furthermore, no patient with a K1-high tumor developed recurrence after initial surgery. The perfusion parameters obtained using E-CT were significantly associated with biological features and prognosis of NF-PanNENs.

Frequent expression of PD-L1 in BLS-type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: implications for aggressiveness and immunotherapy

BLS-type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) denotes an uncommon, aggressive variant of DLBCL presenting initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen without lymphadenopathy or mass lesion. Patients with BLS-type DLBCL present frequently with haemophagocytic syndrome which often leads to early patient demise. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a negative regulatory role on effector T cells and is an important target of immunotherapy. Assessment of PD-L1 expression in BLS-type DLBCL may carry therapeutic implications and provide mechanistic insights. Standard immunohistochemical analysis for PD-L1 was performed in seven cohorts for this study: (1) DLBCL-not otherwise specified (NOS) (n=201); (2) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive DLBCL (n=26); (3) thymic (primary mediastinal) DLBCL (n=12); (4) intravascular LBCL (n=3); (5) high-grade B-cell lymphoma, NOS (n=12); (6) BLS-type DLBCL (n=37); and (7) systemic DLBCL involving bone marrow (n=28). We found that PD-L1 was positive in 12.9% of DLBCL-NOS cases, 46.2% of EBV-positive DLBCL, 91.7% of thymic LBCL, none of intravascular LBCL, 8.3% of high-grade B-cell lymphoma-NOS, and 56.8% of BLS-type DLBCL. By comparison, only 14.3% of bone marrow cases involved by systemic DLBCL were positive for PD-L1 (p<0.001). Interestingly, BLS-type DLBCL more frequently showed activated B-cell phenotype (86.5% vs 65.2%, p=0.010), a high Ki-67 proliferative index (97.1% vs 63.3%, p<0.001), MYC overexpression (90.9% vs 56.2%, p=0.023), presence of haemophagocytic syndrome (86.5% vs 4.0%, p<0.001), and poorer overall survival (p<0.001) than DLBCL-NOS. These data suggest that the poor prognosis of BLS-type DLBCL may be explained by both extrinsic tumour microenvironment factors and intrinsic genetic factors of tumour cells, such as PD-L1-associated inactivation of anti-tumour immunity for the former, and MYC pathway activation-related aggressiveness for the latter.

Impact of immunohistochemical expression of kinesin family member 18A (Kif18A) and β-catenin in infiltrating breast carcinoma of no special type

BackgroundKIF18A is a regulator of the cell cycle that stimulates the proliferation of cancer cells. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in different issues’ carcinogenesis and is being examined as a therapeutic target. The relationship between KIF18A and β-catenin in breast cancer was not previously investigated. Therefore, this work aims to study the immunohistochemical expression and correlation of KIF18A and β-catenin in breast-infiltrating duct carcinoma (IDC) and their relation to prognosis.Material and methodsSlides cut from paraffin blocks of 135 IDC and 40 normal breast tissues were stained by KIF18A and β-catenin antibodies. KIF18A cytoplasmic or nucleocytoplasmic staining and β-catenin aberrant expression either nucleo-cytoplasmic or cytoplasmic staining were considered.ResultsNormal breast tissue and IDC showed a significant difference regarding KIF18A and aberrant β-catenin expression. High KIF18A and β-catenin H score values were associated with poor prognostic factors such as high grade, advanced stage, distant metastasis, high Ki67 status, and Her2neu-enriched subtype. There was a significant direct correlation between KIF18A and β-catenin as regards percent and H score values. Prolonged overall survival (OS) was significantly associated with mild intensity and low H score of KIF18A, and low β-catenin H score.ConclusionsKIF18A could be involved in breast carcinogenesis by activating β-catenin. Overexpression of KIF18A and aberrant expression of β-catenin are considered proto-oncogenes of breast cancer development. KIF18A and β-catenin could be poor prognostic markers and predictors of aggressive behavior of breast cancer.

A Model Combining Conventional Ultrasound Characteristics, Strain Elastography and Clinicopathological Features to Predict Ki-67 Expression in Small Breast Cancer.

To establish a predictive model incorporating conventional ultrasound, strain elastography and clinicopathological features for Ki-67 expression in small breast cancer (SBC) which defined as maximum diameter less than2 cm. In this retrospective study, 165 SBC patients from our hospital were allocated to a high Ki-67 group (n = 104) and a low Ki-67 group (n = 61). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent indicators for developing predictive models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve was also determined to establish the diagnostic performance of different predictive models. The corresponding sensitivities and specificities of different models at the cutoff value were compared. Conventional ultrasound parameters (spiculated margin, absence of posterior shadowing and Adler grade 2-3), strain elastic scores and clinicopathological information (HER2 positive) were significantly correlated with high expression of Ki-67 in SBC (all p < .05). Model 2, which incorporated conventional ultrasound features and strain elastic scores, yielded good diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.774) with better sensitivity than model 1, which only incorporated ultrasound characteristics (78.85%vs. 55.77%, p = .000), with specificities of 77.05% and 62.30% (p = .035), respectively. Model 3, which incorporated conventional ultrasound, strain elastography and clinicopathological features, yielded better performance (AUC = 0.853) than model 1 (AUC = 0.694) and model 2 (AUC = 0.774), and the specificity was higher than model 1 (86.89% vs. 77.05%, p = .001). The predictive model combining conventional ultrasound, strain elastic scores and clinicopathological features could improve the predictive performance of Ki-67 expression in SBC.