Clinical implication of HLA class I expression in breast cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-class I molecules on tumor cells have been regarded as crucial sites where cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can recognize tumor-specific antigens and are strongly associated with anti-tumor activity. However, the clinical impact of HLA class I expression in breast cancer has not been clarified.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 212 breast cancer patients who received curative surgery from 1993 to 2003 were enrolled in the current study. HLA class I expression was examined immunohistochemically using an anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibody. The correlation between HLA class I positivity and clinical factors was analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The downregulation of HLA class I expression in breast cancer was observed in 69 patients (32.5%). HLA class I downregulation was significantly associated with nodal involvement (p < 0.05), TNM stage (p < 0.05), lymphatic invasion (p < 0.01), and venous invasion (p < 0.05). Patients with preserved HLA class I had significantly better disease-free interval (DFI) than those with loss of HLA class I (p < 0.05). However, in multivariable analysis, HLA class I was not selected as one of the independent prognostic factors of disease-free interval.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The examination of HLA class I expression is useful for the prediction of tumor progression and recurrent risk of breast cancer via the antitumor immune system.</p

Oncoplastic Surgery in Japanese Patients with Breast Cancer Close to the Areola: Partial Mastectomy Using Periareolar Mammoplasty: A Case Report

We report the results of oncoplastic surgery in two Japanese patients with early breast cancer. Their breasts were large and ptotic, and their lesions, which were close to the areola, were considered to be suitable for breast conservative surgery. Oncoplastic surgery involving partial resection of the gland and a periareolar mammoplasty were performed. The technique was easy to perform, and the cosmetic outcome was excellent

Number of Axillary Lymph Node Metastases Determined by Preoperative Ultrasound is Related to Prognosis in Patients with Breast Cancer

Objective: To analyze the impact on prognosis of the number of axillary lymph node metastases (LNM) detected by ultrasound (US) in patients with breast cancer. Methods: One-to-one comparison of LNM was performed between the ultrasound and histologic diagnosis in 380 patients. Results: The accuracy of preoperative ultrasound diagnosis was 79.7%. According to the subdivision of number of LNM (0, 1–3, 4–9, 10+), the accuracy rates associated with LNM were 82%, 49%, 34%, and 86%, respectively. The disease-free-survival curves according to the number of LNM were similar in them. Conclusion: Preoperative ultrasound can determine axillary involvement and may be useful for predicting prognosis

Number of Axillary Lymph Node Metastases Determined by Preoperative Ultrasound is Related to Prognosis in Patients with Breast Cancer

cancer