A clinical diagnostic test on the detection of sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast neoplasms using a 1-step RT-PCR

Intraoperative detection of axillary metastasis of breast cancer using nucleic acid amplification methods: review of advantages and limitations

INTRODUCTION

In the management of breast cancer, the need for assessment of axillary status has been questionable in recent years. However, it is still applicable for making a decision on adjuvant therapy and evaluating the prognosis. Molecular tests have been widely used for intraoperative detection of axillary lymph node metastases and have prevented a second surgery for dissection of the lymph nodes in at least 20% of the cases. Unlike histopathological examination, molecular tests do not need a specialized technologist to provide the results.

AREAS COVERED

We have reviewed recent advancements in the assessment of axillary nodes by molecular studies such as one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay and metasin test. Our work concentrated on reported thresholds for the tests, economical aspects, and newly developed devices throughout the current literature.

EXPERT OPINION

Well-designed clinical trials on molecular assays could lead to individualized management of the axillary, while preventing additional surgical operations in a large proportion of women with breast cancer.

Precisional detection of lymph node metastasis using tFCM in colorectal cancer

The detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) lymph node (LN) metastases significantly influences treatment choices, yet identifying them in samples is time-consuming and error-prone. To enhance efficiency, we have established a LN metastasis detection method utilizing triple-parameter flow cytometry (tFCM) and have conducted a comparative assessment of its accuracy and cost-effectiveness in contrast to conventional pathological examinations. This technique utilized biomarkers cytokeratin 20 (CK20), epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM), and Pan-CK. tFCM's sensitivity was validated by analyzing known cell line concentrations (SW480 and SW620) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), with CK20, EpCAM, and Pan-CK showing significant expression in CRC cell lines but not in PBMCs. A strong linear correlation was observed in the mixed leukocyte environment (R 2 = 0.9988). Subsequently, tFCM and pathological sections were employed to analyze LNs from CRC patients, enabling comparison of detection accuracy. Within the 36 LNs studied, tFCM successfully identified tumor cells with varying metastasis degrees, including micro-metastasis and isolated tumor cell clusters. Notably, relying solely on pathological sections led to a potential 25% misdiagnosis rate for LNs. In contrast, tFCM effectively minimized this risk. In summary, compared to traditional pathological sections, tFCM is a more advantageous method for detecting nodal metastasis in CRC patients, offering a more precise prognosis for these patients.

The Enigma of Mammaglobin: Redefining the Biomarker Paradigm in Breast Carcinoma

The continuous evolution of cancer biology has led to the discovery of mammaglobin, a potential novel biomarker for breast carcinoma. This review aims to unravel the enigmatic aspects of mammaglobin and elucidate its potential role in redefining the paradigm of breast carcinoma biomarkers. We will thoroughly examine its expression in tumoral and peritumoral tissues and its circulating levels in the blood, thereby providing insights into its possible function in cancer progression and metastasis. Furthermore, the potential application of mammaglobin as a non-invasive diagnostic tool and a target for personalized treatment strategies will be discussed. Given the increasing incidence of breast carcinoma worldwide, the exploration of novel biomarkers such as mammaglobin is crucial in advancing our diagnostic capabilities and treatment modalities, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.