Hematopathology
Amir Hossein Jafarian; Melika Kooshki forooshani; Hossein Reisi; Nema Mohamadian roshan
Abstract
Background & Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) is one of the most important enzymes to breakdown extracellular matrix which plays a major role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to determine tumor MMP-9 expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and ...
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Background & Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) is one of the most important enzymes to breakdown extracellular matrix which plays a major role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to determine tumor MMP-9 expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and whether it is associated with histopathologic factors and has prognostic value to affect overall survival (OS). Methods: The specimens of 92 patients with NSCLC diagnosis were included. Tumor sections were stained by immunohistochemistry method. Using scores for the percentage of cells positively stained and the intensity of staining, MMP-9 expression total score was classified as low-score (scores of 0 to 2), moderate-score (scores of 3 to 5), or high-score (scores of 6 or 7). OS was defined as the time interval since the diagnosis of NSCLC to the status at the last follow-up (dead or alive). The follow up period was up to 70 months. Results: About 74% of undifferentiated specimens (grade III tumors) showed high scores for MMP-9 expression which was significantly higher than moderately differentiated tumors (25% had high scores for MMP-9 expression) and well differentiated ones which did not have high scores (p <0.001). A total of 74 patients (80.4%) died during the follow-up period. Of this, 36% had high scores for MMP-9 expression. In contrast, none of the patients who were alive at the last follow-up had high scores for MMP-9 expression (p <0.001). Median OS was significantly lower in high score group (6 months) compared to moderate score (9 months) and high score group (15 months) (p <0.001). Conclusion: MMP-9 expression may serve as a significant prognostic factor for mortality and overall survival in NSCLC. Undifferentiated tumors significantly express higher MMP-9 immunohistochemically.
Molecular Pathology
Amir Hossein Jafarian; Melika Kooshki forooshani; Farzane Farzad; Nema Mohamadian Roshan
Abstract
Background & Objective: In Triple-Negative Breast Cancers (TNBCs), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2/neu genes are not expressed. Fibroblastic Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1) gene product is a protein that acts as a receptor of thyrosin kinase. It plays a role in the proliferation, ...
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Background & Objective: In Triple-Negative Breast Cancers (TNBCs), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2/neu genes are not expressed. Fibroblastic Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1) gene product is a protein that acts as a receptor of thyrosin kinase. It plays a role in the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of malignant cells. The objective was to evaluate the possible relation between FGFR1 over-expression and amplification in TNBCs and other clinicopathological variables. Methods: In this cross sectional study, purposive sampling was used to collect eighty-four TNBC specimens from mastectomy specimens collected between 2013 and 2017. Tissue microarrays were evaluated for FGFR1 over-expression and amplification respectively by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The needed clinical and paraclinical information were obtained from patients’ files. To analyze the correlation among prognostic factors, we used a wide range of different statistic methods, namely Chi-square test, independent t-test, Fisher's exact test, and ANOVA. Result: FGFR1 over-expression was found in 15 of the 84 samples (17.9%). FGFR1 gene amplification was observed in 33.3% (28 of 84) of the samples. We found no association between FGFR1 and clinicopathological parameters, including tumor grade, stage, and patient survival (P>0.005). Conclusion: FGFR1 over-expression and amplification may not be related to clinicopathological parameters, namely age, stage, and grade of the cancer not to mention TNBC survival. Using FGFR1 as a prognostic factor in TNBCs requires further study.
Breast Pathology
Amir Hosein Jafarian; Melika Kooshkiforooshani; Abdolshakor Rasoliostadi; Nema Mohamadian Roshan
Abstract
Background & Objective: In vascular (vasculogenic) mimicry (VM), tumoral cells mimic the endothelial cells and form the extracellular matrix-rich tubular networks. It has been proposed that VM is more extensive in aggressive tumors. This study was designed to investigate the rate of VM expression ...
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Background & Objective: In vascular (vasculogenic) mimicry (VM), tumoral cells mimic the endothelial cells and form the extracellular matrix-rich tubular networks. It has been proposed that VM is more extensive in aggressive tumors. This study was designed to investigate the rate of VM expression in the stromal cells of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and to find its relationship with other clinicopathological factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 patients with histopathologic diagnosis of IDC who received mastectomy were included. The VM expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The clinicopathologic data including age, tumor size, histological grade, clinical stage, axillary lymph node metastasis, hormonal receptors, and survival were documented. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 51 (±13.83) years old. The stromal VM expression was detected in 16 of 120 patients (13.3%). Twelve specimens (75%) of positive VM expression group had grade 3 which was higher than negative VM expression group (9 cases, 8.65%; P<0.001). The VM expression showed statistically significant relationship with higher histologic grade higher clinical stage (stage 3) of the tumor (62.5% vs. 87%; P=0.003), the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis (95.6% vs. 55.8%; P<0.001), and positive HER-2 (100% vs. 31.1%; P<0.001); but not estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR). However, age, tumor size and mortality rate were not significantly different among the patients with and without VM expression. Conclusion: The stromal VM expression showed significant relationship with higher stage and grade of the tumor and the presence of nodal metastasis. The VM expression in IDC can be used as a marker for tumor aggressiveness.