Patterns of Cellular Distribution with the Sentinel Node Positive for Breast Cancer

Background. Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) represents the standard of care in breast cancer axillary evaluation. Our study aims to characterize the patterns of malignant cell distribution within the sentinel nodes (SN). Methods. In a retrospective IRB-approved study, we examined the anatomic location of the nodal area with the highest radioactive signal or most intense blue staining (hot spot) and its distance from the metastatic foci. Results. 58 patients underwent SNB between January 2006 and February 2007. 12 patients with 19 positive SN were suitable for analysis. 4 (21%) metastases were located in the nodal hilum and 15 (79%) in the cortex. 6 (31%) metastases were found adjacent to the hotspot, and 9 (47%) within 4 mm of the hotspot. Conclusions. In our pilot series, SN metastases were within 4 mm of the hotspot in 78% of the cases. Pathologic analysis focused in that area may contribute to the more accurate identification of nodal metastases

Glucans Exhibit Weak Antioxidant Activity, but Stimulate Macrophage Free Radical Activity

Polymeric carbohydrates have been reported to modulate inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Previous reports suggest that certain carbohydrate polymers, such as (1→3)-β-D-glucans, may possess free radical scavenging activity. If glucans are free radical scavengers then it might explain, in part, the ability of these ligands to modulate inflammatory responses. The present study examined the free radical scavenging activity of a variety of carbohydrate polymers and the effect of the polymers on free radical levels in a murine macrophage cell line. All of the carbohydrates exhibited concentration dependent antioxidant effects (EC50 range = 807 to 43 μg/ml). However, the antioxidant activity for the carbohydrates was modest in comparison with PDTC (EC50 = 0.13 μg/ml) and the carbohydrate concentration required for antioxidant activity was high (×̄ EC50 = 283 μg/ml). The antioxidant ability of the polymers was greater (p \u3c .05) than their monosaccharide constituents, i.e., dextrose EC50 = 807 vs. glucan sulfate EC50 = 43 μg/ml. Coincubation of glucans with murine J774a.1 cells increased free radical levels when compared to controls. Therefore, the weak free radical scavenging activity of glucan polymers cannot explain their modulatory effect on inflammatory responses in tissue culture and/or disease models of inflammation