• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6803-6812
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• 2015

Caveolin-1 is a 22-kD trans-membrane protein enriched in particular plasma membrane invaginations known as caveolae. Cav-1 expression is often dysregulated in human breast cancers, being commonly upregulated in cancer cells and downregulated in stromal cells. As an intracellular scaffolding protein, Cav-1, is involved in several vital biological regulations including endocytosis, transcytosis, vesicular transport, and signaling pathways. Several pathways are modulated by Cav-1 including estrogen receptor, EGFR, Her2/neu, $TGF{\beta}$, and mTOR and represent as major drivers in mammary carcinogenesis. Expression and role of Cav-1 in breast carcinogenesis is highly variable depending on the stage of tumor development as well as context of the cell. However, recent data have shown that downregulation of Cav-1 expression in stromal breast tumors is associated with frequent relapse, resistance to therapy, and poor outcome. Modification of Cav-1 expression for translational cancer therapy is particularly challenging since numerous signaling pathways might be affected. This review focuses on present understanding of Cav-1 in breast carcinogenesis and its potential role as a new biomarker for predicting therapeutic response and prognosis as well as new target for therapeutic manipulation.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2013

연구배경 및 목적 표피성장인자수용체(EGFR)는 HER2/neu(erbB2), HER3(erbB3), HER4(erbB4)를 포함하는 receptor tyrosine ki-nase의 erbB 그룹에 속하는 수용체이다. 표피성장인자수용체의 과발현은 다양한 종류의 암, 특히 두경부편평세포암에서 예후를 악화시킨다고 알려져 있다. 이에 저자들은 하인두편평세포암에서 표피성장인자수용체의 발현 및 분포를 확인하고, 하인두암에서 표피성장인자(EGF)가 암세포의 증식과 침습에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법 57명의 하인두편평세포암 환자의 조직에서 표피성장인자수용체의 발현을 면역화학적염색을 통해 확인하고, 이에 대해 임상병리학적 요인과 생존율에 대한 분석을 시행하고, 일부 환자의 정상 및 암조직에서 Western blot을 시행하였다. 하인두편평세포암 세포주인 FaDu에서 proliferative assay, colony dispersion, wound healing assay, invasion assay를 시행하여, 하인두암의 진행에서 표피성장인자의 역할에 대하여 분석하였다. 또한 RT-PCR과 Zymography를 통하여 Matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2, 9의 발현을 확인하였다. 결 과 63.2%의 하인두편평세포암 조직에서 표피성장인자수용체의 발현이 확인되었다. 표피성장인자수용체의 발현은 정상조직에서 비하여 하인두암 조직에서 유의하게 증가되어 있었으며, 병리학적 병기(p=0.022)가 올라갈수록 유의하게 증가하였으나, 증례수의 제한으로 생존율에서는 통계적 유의성을 얻지는 못했다(p=0.053). in vitro의 결과로 표피성장인자를 FaDu 세포주에 처리하였을 때, FaDu 세포주의 증식이 유의하게 증가되었으며(p<0.05), Transwell invasion chamber상 침습의 증가가 확인되었다(p<0.05). RT-PCR과 zymogram 실험상 표피성장인자처리시 FaDu 세포주의 MMP-2, 9이 발현이 증가되고 활성화되는 것이 확인하였다. 결 론 본 연구에서 표피성장인자수용체의 과발현이 하인두암의 예후 인자로서의 가능성을 확인하였고, 표피성장인자가 하인두편평세포암의 증식과 침습에 관여하는 것을 확인하였다.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.30-34
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• 2015

We report a case of a 55-year-old man who diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer (AGC), with A review of the literature. A 55-year old man was transferred to our hospital for further evaluation and treatment after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma through endoscopic biopsy during a regular health examination. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed AGC, stage IIA (T3N3M0), while an endoscopic examination showed AGC, Borrmann type 2. The patient is currently under observation after undergoing radical subtotal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy and subsequent administration of oral chemotherapeutic agents. As an abdominal CT response assessment performed after surgery revealed new metastasis to the liver, the patient received palliative chemotherapy as progressive disease was suspected. After receiving chemotherapy in the order of FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil (5-FU)) + Leucovorin + Oxaliplatin), FOLFIRI (5-FU + Leucovorin + Irinotecan), EAP-II (Etoposide + Doxorubicin + Cisplatin), ELF (Etoposide + Leucovorin + 5-FU), TS-1 (Tegafur + Gimeracil) + Cisplatin, an abdominal CT response assessment showed progressive disease for which the regimen was altered to PFL (Paclitaxel + 5-FU + Leucovorin). The patient has currently completed his second cycle of chemotherapy and after an abdominal CT response assessment, further course of therapy will be decided.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4507-4511
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• 2014

Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease comprising of distinct biological subtypes with many targeted prognostic biomarkers having therapeutic implications. However, no specific targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer has been discovered to date and hence further research is needed. Aim: The aim and objectives of the present study were to examine the prevalence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in North-East India and to compare the clinicopathological parameters in two study groups defined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) - "TNBC" and "Others". Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective study in a cohort of 972 patients diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma in the Department of Pathology, Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, a Regional Cancer Centre for treatment and research, Guwahati, for a period of 3 years and 10 months from January 2010 to October 2013. Based on IHC findings, patients were divided into two groups - "TNBC" and "Others". All relevant clinicopathological parameters were compared in both. TNBC were defined as those that were estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2/neu negative while those positive for any of these markers were defined as "Others". Results: In this study, out of total 972 cases 31.9% (310 cases) were defined as TNBC and 662 cases (68.1%) as "Others" based on IHC markers. Compared to the "Others" category, TNBC presented at an early age (mean 40 years), were associated with high grade large tumours and high rate of node positivity, IDC NOS being the most common histological subtype in TNBC. Conclusions: TNBC accounts for a significant portion of breast cancers in this part of India and commonly present at younger age and tend to be large high grade tumours.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.287-292
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• 2003

A novel antitumor agent, antibody-endostatin fusion protein $(anti-HER2/neu\;IgG3C_H3-Endostatin,\;AEFP)$ formed by genetic engineering procedure from antibody (Ab) which specifically targets to tumor cells ad angiogenesis inhibitor, endostatin (Endo) that has excellent antitumor effect, minimizes the toxicity of normal cells and selectively kills only tumor cells. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the phamacokinetic parameters and to analyze the localization of AEFP. After an intravenous injection of $150\;{\mu}l\;(5\;{\mu}Ci)\;[^{125}I]Ab,\;[^{125}I]AEFP$ to mice, blood was collected though retroorbital plexus from 15 min to 2880 min. Following the jugular vein injetion of $150\;{\mu}l\;(10\;{\mu}Ci)\;[^{125}I]Endo$, blood was collected by the use of carotid artery cannulation from 0.25 min to 30 min. Consequently, Endo was very rapidly removed from plasma compartment within 30 min. On the other hand, AEFP similar to Ab was slowly cleared from plasma. Also, Endo was metabolized about 40% within 30 min. However, AEFP was shown to metabolize less than 10% within 2880 min. The organ distribution of Endo was in order kidney, lung, spleen. Both Ab and AEFP were localized in order spleen, kidney, liver. Futhermore the tumor/blood distribution ratio of AEFP at 96 hours after injection is about 20 times higher than it of Endo at one hour after injection. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that the anti-cancer or suppression of angiogenesis effect of Endo may be improved by the use of AEFP because the longer half life and stability of AEFP is able to selectively target antigens expressed on tumors.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5709-5714
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• 2014

Background: An association between alcohol/tobacco use and risk of metastasis in breast cancer has been clearly shown. Materials and Methods: The present study explored, in 48 samples of tissue from mammary ductal carcinoma (taken from Mexican women with an average age of $58.2{\pm}10.9$ years), the association of risk of metastasis with the status of hormonal receptors and the c-erbB2 protein (by immunohistochemistry) as well as clinical, histopathological and sociodemographic factors. Results: Of 48 patients, 41.6% (20/48) presented with metastasis, 43.8% were positive for the estrogen receptor (RE+), 31.3% for the progesterone receptor (RP+) and 47.7% for c-erbB2 (c-erbB2+). The following combinations were found: RE+/RP+/c-erbB2+ 8.3%, RE+/RP+ 22.9%, RE+/RP- 20.8%, RE-/RP+ 8.3%, RE-/RP-/c-erbB2- 22.9% and RE-/RP- 47.8%. There were 12 patients who used alcohol/tobacco, of which 91.6% did not present metastasis and 81.9% were RE-/RP-. Compared to the RE-/RP-/c-erbB2+, the RE+/RP+/c-erbB2+ group had a 15-fold greater risk for metastasis (95%CI, 0.9-228.8, p=0.05). The carriers of the double negative hormonal receptors had a 4.7 fold greater probability of being (or having been) smokers or drinkers (95%CI, 1.0-20.4, p = 0.03). Conclusions: There was a clear protective effect of using alcohol and/or tobacco, in the cases included in the present study of mammary ductal carcinoma, associated with double negative hormonal receptors. However, this association could be due to a protective factor not measured (Neyman bias) or to a bias inherent in the rate of hospitalization (Berkson fallacy). This question should be explored in a broad prospective longitudinal study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.1989-1992
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• 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the response rates (clinical and pathological ) with docetaxel and epirubicin combination chemotherapy and its effect on outcome. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients who received NACT from January 2008 to December 2012 in our tertiary care centre. LABC constituted 37% of all breast cancer cases and 120 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The regimens used for NACT were, six cycles of DEC (docetaxel $75mg/m^2$, epirubicin $75mg/m^2$, cyclophosphamide $50mg/m^2$ on Day 1, 3 weekly) and a sequential regimen (4 cycles of FEC, 5-flurouracil $600mg/m^2$, epirubicin $75mg/m^2$, cyclophosphamide $600mg/m^2$ followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel $85mg/m^2$). Results: The median age was 47 years (range 23-72). Ninety six ( 80 %) had T4 disease and 90% had clinically palpable lymph nodes at diagnosis. The median size of primary tumor at presentation was 5.9 cm. Hormone receptor positivity was seen in 55% and HER2/neu positivity, in 25%. Triple negative breast cancers constituted 25 % of the cases. The overall clinical response rate (complete or partial ) was 85% and pathological complete responses were obtained in 15%. Four cases defaulted, 5 patients died of treatment related toxicity and 15% developed febrile neutropenia on DEC. The median duration of follow up was 22 months. The median time to relapse was 20 months and the 3 year relapse free and overall survival rates were 50% and 70% respectively. Conclusions: LABC constituted 37% of all breast cancer cases at our institute. With NACT, pCR was seen in 15% of the cases. Sequential chemotherapy was better tolerated than concurrent anthracyline and taxane chemotherapy with a similar pCR.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2505-2510
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• 2014

Background: The standard radiotherapy (RT) fractionation practiced in India and worldwide is 50Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks to the chest wall or whole breast followed by tumour bed boost in case of breast conservation (BCS). A body of validated data exists regarding hypofractionation in breast cancer. We here report initial results for 135 patients treated at our center with the START-B type of fractionation. Materials and Methods: From May 2011 till July 2012, women with all stages of breast cancer (excluding metastatic), who had undergone BCS or mastectomy were planned for 40Gy in 15 fractions over 3weeks to chest wall/whole breast and supraclavicular fossa (where indicated) followed by tumour bed boost in BCS patients. Planning was done using Casebow's technique. The primary end point was to assess the acute toxicity and the cosmetic outcomes. Using cosmetic scales; patients were assessed during radiotherapy and at subsequent follow up visits with the radiation oncologist. Results: Of the 135 patients, 62 had undergone BCS and 73 mastectomy. Median age of the population was 52 years. Some 80% were T1&T2 tumours in BCS whereas most patients in mastectomy group were T3&T4 tumours (60%). 45% were node negative in BCS group whilst it was 23% in the mastectomy group. Average NPI scores were 3.9 and 4.9, respectively. Most frequently reported histopathology report was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (87%), grade III being most common (58%), and 69% were ER positive tumours, and 30% were Her 2 Neu positive. Triple negative tumours accounted for 13% and their mean age was young (43 yrs.) The maximum acute skin toxicity at the end of treatment was Grade 1 in 94% of the mastectomy grouppatients and 71% in BCS patients. Grade 2 toxicity was 6% in mast group and 23% in BCS group. Grade 3 was 6% in BCS group, no grade 3 toxicity in mastectomy patients and there was no grade 4 skin toxicity in any case. Post RT at 1 month; 39% of BCS patients had persisting Grade I skin reaction which was only 2% in mastectomy patients. At 3 months post RT, 18% patients had persisting hyperpigmentation. At 6 months 8% patients had persisting erythema in the BCS group only. Some 3% BCS and 8% mastectomy patients had lymph edema till the date of evaluation. Cosmetic outcome in BCS patients remained good to excellent 6 months post surgery and radiotherapy. 1 patient of BCS and 3 patients of mast had developed metastatic disease at the time of evaluation. Conclusions: Hypofractionated RT is well tolerated in Indian population with reduced acute skin toxicity and good cosmetic outcome. Regimens such as these should be encouraged in other centers to increase machine output time. The study is on-going to assess long term results.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1347-1350
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer prognosis is influenced by several histopathology and clinical factors including expression of Ki67 which may have a predictive role in lymph node negative breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess Ki67 expression in breast cancers without axillary lymph node involvement and to evaluate its prognostic value with regard to disease-free survival. Materials and Methods: Subjects were selected from non-metastatic invasive breast cancer patients who were referred to the oncology department of Ghaem hospital during 1 April 2001 to 1 April 2008. Ki67 levels were measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and compared with clinicopathological features. The relation of Ki67 expression with disease-free survival was also analysed. Results: A total of 106 women with a mean age of 49 were examined. Some 94.3% were classified as having invasive ductal carcinomas and the mean tumour diameter at the time of diagnosis was 2.8 cm. Some 50.9% of cases were ER positive and 47.2% were PR positive. P53 expression was positive in 48.1% of the cases. According to the IHC results, only 8.5% of the patients were Her2/neu positive. Ki67 was positive in 66 (62.3%) with a significant relation to lower age (p=0.0229) and P53 positivity (p=0.005). After an average of 40-months follow up, 13 (12.3%) demonstrated recurrence, most commonly systemic. Of 13 cases with relapse, 10 patients (77%) were Ki67 positive. Conclusions: In our population Ki67 appeared to be an independent prognostic factor for three-year survival. However, we stress that a survival study with a bigger sample size would help to support this conclusion.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.43-45
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• 2013

Background: The aim of this epidemiological study was to establish the laterality of breast cancer (BC) and its association with size, receptor status of the primary tumor and bone metastasis (BM) in a local population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included cases of BC from Jan-2009 to Dec-2011 who were referred for metastatic work up or follow up survey with Technetium-99m MDP bone scan (BS) to the Nuclear Medicine Department of Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN). A total of 384 patients out of 521 were included and all reviewed for age, primary tumor size (PTS), laterality, receptor status like estrogen receptor (ER) progesterone receptor (PR) and Her-2-Neu receptor, presence or absence of BM with sites of involvement and time interval between diagnosis of BC and appearance of BM. Results: The left to right sided BC proportion was significantly higher than unity (59%:41%; p<0.001). The right sided BC was observed in younger age group (46:52 years; p<0.0001) and with a smaller PTS than the left sided (3.43:4.15 cm; p<0.0001). The patients with BM had relatively higher negative receptor status with a significant predominance of right sided BC. The overall incidence of BM on BS was 28% and relatively higher in right than left breast (33%:24% p=0.068). The average number of BM sites was also significantly greater for the right side (6:4, P<0.0001). The % cumulative risk of BM in right breast was noted at significantly smaller PTS than left side with log rank value of 5.579; p<0.05. The Kaplan Meier survival plot for event free survival of BM in left sided BC was significantly higher than for the right side (log rank value=4.155, p<0.05), with an earlier appearance of BM in right BC. Conclusions: 1) A left sided predominance of BC was seen in local population; 2) right sided BC had a more aggressive behavior with extensive and earlier appearance of BM at relatively younger age, smaller PTS and receptor (s) negativity.