Adenomyomas of the Gallbladder: An Analysis of Frequency, Clinicopathologic Associations, and Relationship to Carcinoma of a Malformative Lesion

CONTEXT.—

The nature and associations of gallbladder (GB) "adenomyoma" (AM) remain controversial. Some studies have attributed up to 26% of GB carcinoma to AMs.

OBJECTIVE.—

To examine the true frequency, clinicopathologic characteristics, and neoplastic changes in GB AM.

DESIGN.—

Cholecystectomy cohorts analyzed were 1953 consecutive cases, prospectively with specific attention to AM; 2347 consecutive archival cases; 203 totally embedded GBs; 207 GBs with carcinoma; and archival search of institutions for all cases diagnosed as AM.

RESULTS.—

Frequency of AM was 9.3% (19 of 203) in totally submitted cases but 3.3% (77 of 2347) in routinely sampled archival tissue. A total of 283 AMs were identified, with a female to male ratio = 1.9 (177:94) and mean size = 1.3 cm (range, 0.3-5.9). Most (96%, 203 of 210) were fundic, with formed nodular trabeculated submucosal thickening, and were difficult to appreciate from the mucosal surface. Four of 257 were multifocal (1.6%), and 3 of 257 (1.2%) were extensive ("adenomyomatosis"). Dilated glands (up to 14 mm), often radially converging to a point in the mucosa, were typical. Muscle was often minimal, confined to the upper segment. Nine of 225 (4%) revealed features of a duplication. No specific associations with inflammation, cholesterolosis, intestinal metaplasia, or thickening of the uninvolved GB wall were identified. Neoplastic change arising in AM was seen in 9.9% (28 of 283). Sixteen of 283 (5.6%) had mural intracholecystic neoplasm; 7 of 283 (2.5%) had flat-type high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ. Thirteen of 283 cases had both AM and invasive carcinoma (4.6%), but in only 5 of 283 (1.8%), carcinoma arose from AM (invasion was confined to AM, and dysplasia was predominantly in AM).

CONCLUSIONS.—

AMs have all the features of a malformative developmental lesion, and may not show a significant muscle component (ie, the name "adeno-myoma" is partly a misnomer). While most are innocuous, some pathologies may arise in AMs, including intracholecystic neoplasms, flat-type high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma (1.8%, 5 of 283). It is recommended that gross examination of GBs include serial slicing of the fundus for AM detection and total submission if one is found.

Identification of anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody signatures in gastric intestinal metaplasia

BACKGROUND

Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection may induce gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM). We compared anti-H. pylori antibody profiles between IM cases and non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) controls.

METHODS

We evaluated humoral responses to 1528 H. pylori proteins among a discovery set of 50 IM and 50 NAG using H. pylori protein arrays. Antibodies with ≥ 20% sensitivity at 90% specificity for either group were selected and further validated in an independent set of 100 IM and 100 NAG using odds ratios (OR). A validated multi-signature was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and net reclassification improvement (NRI).

RESULTS

Sixty-two immunoglobulin (Ig) G and 11 IgA antibodies were detected in > 10%. Among them, 22 IgG and 6 IgA antibodies were different between IM and NAG in the discovery set. Validated antibodies included 11 IgG (anti-HP1177/Omp27/HopQ [OR = 8.1, p < 0.001], anti-HP0547/CagA [4.6, p < 0.001], anti-HP0596/Tipα [4.0, p = 0.002], anti-HP0103/TlpB [3.8, p = 0.001], anti-HP1125/PalA/Omp18 [3.1, p = 0.001], anti-HP0153/RecA [0.48, p = 0.03], anti-HP0385 [0.41, p = 0.006], anti-HP0243/TlpB [0.39, p = 0.016], anti-HP0371/FabE [0.37, p = 0.017], anti-HP0900/HypB/AccB [0.35, p = 0.048], and anti-HP0709 [0.30, p = 0.003]), and 2 IgA (anti-HP1125/PalA/Omp18 [2.7, p = 0.03] and anti-HP0596/Tipα [2.5, p = 0.027]). A model including all 11 IgG antibodies (AUC = 0.81) had better discriminated IM and NAG compared with an anti-CagA only (AUC = 0.77) model (NRI = 0.44; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study represents the most comprehensive assessment of anti-H. pylori antibody profiles in IM. The target antigens for these novel antibodies may act together with CagA in the progression to IM. Along with other biomarkers, specific H. pylori antibodies may identify IM patients, who would benefit from surveillance.

The Chile Biliary Longitudinal Study: A Gallstone Cohort

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly fatal cancer that can be cured through cholecystectomy if identified early. The presence of gallstones is the primary risk factor for GBC, but few people with gallstones develop GBC. A key question is what drives the development of GBC among persons with gallstones. We initiated the Chile Biliary Longitudinal Study (Chile BiLS) to address this question. From 2016 to 2019, Chile BiLS enrolled 4,726 women aged 50-74 years with ultrasound-detected gallstones from southern-central Chile, accounting for an estimated 36% of eligible women with gallstones in the study area. The median age was 59 years; 25% of the women were Amerindian (Mapuche), 60% were obese, 25% had diabetes, and 6% had cardiovascular disease. Participants will be followed for gallbladder dysplasia or cancer for 6 years. As of April 30, 2020, over 91% of those eligible completed the year 2 follow-up visit. Data being collected include epidemiologic and sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and tooth counts. Biosamples being taken include baseline plasma, buffy coat, red blood cells, serum, blood clot from serum, and PAXgene whole blood (PreAnalytiX GmbH, Hombrechtikon, Switzerland). Complete gallbladder sampling is conducted for most participants undergoing cholecystectomy. The Chile BiLS cohort study will increase our understanding of GBC etiology and could identify potential risk stratification and early detection strategies in high-risk areas.

T2 gallbladder cancer shows substantial survival variation between continents and this is not due to histopathologic criteria or pathologic sampling differences

Published data on survival of T2 gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) from different countries show a wide range of 5-year survival rates from 30-> 70%. Recently, studies have demonstrated substantial variation between countries in terms of their approach to sampling gallbladders, and furthermore, that pathologists from different continents apply highly variable criteria in determining stage of invasion in this organ. These findings raised the question of whether these variations in pathologic evaluation could account for the vastly different survival rates of T2 GBC reported in the literature. In this study, survival of 316 GBCs from three countries (Chile n = 137, South Korea n = 105, USA n = 74), all adequately sampled (with a minimum of five tumor sections examined) and histopathologically verified as pT2 (after consensus examination by expert pathologists from three continents), was analyzed. Chilean patients had a significantly worse prognosis based on 5-year all-cause mortality (HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.27-2.83, p = 0.002) and disease-specific mortality (HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.51-3.84, p < 0.001), compared to their South Korean counterparts, even when controlled for age and sex. Comparing the USA to South Korea, the survival differences in all-cause mortality (HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.12-2.75, p = 0.015) and disease-specific mortality (HR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.14-3.31, p = 0.015) were also pronounced. The 3-year disease-specific survival rates in South Korea, the USA, and Chile were 75%, 65%, and 55%, respectively, the 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 60%, 50%, and 50%, respectively, and the overall 5-year survival rates were 55%, 45%, and 35%, respectively. In conclusion, the survival of true T2 GBC in properly classified cases is neither as good nor as bad as previously documented in the literature and shows notable geographic differences even in well-sampled cases with consensus histopathologic criteria. Future studies should focus on other potential reasons including biologic, etiopathogenetic, management-related, populational, or healthcare practice-related factors that may influence the survival differences of T2 GBC in different regions.

Mural Intracholecystic Neoplasms Arising in Adenomyomatous Nodules of the Gallbladder: An Analysis of 19 Examples of a Clinicopathologically Distinct Entity

Intracholecystic neoplasms (ICNs) (pyloric gland adenomas and intracholecystic papillary neoplasms, collectively also called intracholecystic papillary/tubular neoplasms) form multifocal, extensive proliferations on the gallbladder mucosa and have a high propensity for invasion (>50%). In this study, 19 examples of a poorly characterized phenomenon, mural papillary mucinous lesions that arise in adenomyomatous nodules and form localized ICNs, were analyzed. Two of these were identified in 1750 consecutive cholecystectomies reviewed specifically for this purpose, placing its incidence at 0.1%. Median age was 68 years. Unlike other gallbladder lesions, these were slightly more common in men (female/male=0.8), and 55% had documented cholelithiasis. All were characterized by a compact multilocular, demarcated, cystic lesion with papillary proliferations and mucinous epithelial lining. The lesions' architecture, distribution, location, and typical size were suggestive of evolution from an underlying adenomyomatous nodule. All had gastric/endocervical-like mucinous epithelium, but 5 also had a focal intestinal-like epithelium. Cytologic atypia was graded as 1 to 3 and defined as 1A: mucinous, without cytoarchitectural atypia (n=3), 1B: mild (n=7), 2: moderate (n=2), and 3: severe atypia (n=7, 3 of which also had invasive carcinoma, 16%). Background gallbladder mucosal involvement was absent in all but 2 cases, both of which had multifocal papillary mucosal nodules. In conclusion, these cases highlight a distinct clinicopathologic entity, that is, mural ICNs arising in adenomyomatous nodules, which, by essentially sparing the "main" mucosa, not displaying "field-effect/defect" phenomenon, and only rarely (16%) showing carcinomatous transformation, are analogous to pancreatic branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Landscape of Genome-Wide DNA Methylation of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease caused by both genetic and epigenetics factors. Analysing DNA methylation changes occurring during colorectal cancer progression and metastasis formation is crucial for the identification of novel epigenetic markers of patient prognosis. Genome-wide methylation sequencing of paired samples of colon (normal adjacent, primary tumour and lymph node metastasis) showed global hypomethylation and CpG island (CGI) hypermethylation of primary tumours compared to normal. In metastasis we observed high global and non-CGI regions methylation, but lower CGI methylation, compared to primary tumours. Gene ontology analysis showed shared biological processes between hypermethylated CGIs in metastasis and primary tumours. After complementary analysis with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, FIGN, HTRA3, BDNF, HCN4 and STAC2 genes were found associated with poor survival. We mapped the methylation landscape of colon normal tissues, primary tumours and lymph node metastasis, being capable of identified methylation changes throughout the genome. Furthermore, we found five genes with potential for methylation biomarkers of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.

Gallbladder polyps: Correlation of size and clinicopathologic characteristics based on updated definitions

Background

Different perspectives exist regarding the clinicopathologic characteristics, biology and management of gallbladder polyps. Size is often used as the surrogate evidence of polyp behavior and size of ≥1cm is widely used as cholecystectomy indication. Most studies on this issue are based on the pathologic correlation of polyps clinically selected for resection, whereas, the data regarding the nature of polypoid lesions from pathology perspective -regardless of the cholecystectomy indication- is highly limited.

Methods

In this study, 4231 gallbladders -606 of which had gallbladder carcinoma- were reviewed carefully pathologically by the authors for polyps (defined as ≥2 mm). Separately, the cases that were diagnosed as “gallbladder polyps” in the surgical pathology databases were retrieved.

Results

643 polyps identified accordingly were re-evaluated histopathologically. Mean age of all patients was 55 years (range: 20–94); mean polyp size was 9 mm. Among these 643 polyps, 223 (34.6%) were neoplastic: I. Non-neoplastic polyps (n = 420; 65.4%) were smaller (mean: 4.1 mm), occurred in younger patients (mean: 52 years). This group consisted of fibromyoglandular polyps (n = 196) per the updated classification, cholesterol polyps (n = 166), polypoid pyloric gland metaplasia (n = 41) and inflammatory polyps (n = 17). II. Neoplastic polyps were larger (mean: 21 mm), detected in older patients (mean: 61 years) and consisted of intra-cholecystic neoplasms (WHO’s “adenomas” and “intracholecystic papillary neoplasms”, ≥1 cm; n = 120), their “incipient” version (<1 cm) (n = 44), polypoid invasive carcinomas (n = 26) and non-neoplastic polyps with incidental dysplastic changes (n = 33). In terms of size cut-off correlations, overall, only 27% of polyps were ≥1 cm, 90% of which were neoplastic. All (except for one) ≥2 cm were neoplastic. However, 14% of polyps <1 cm were also neoplastic. Positive predictive value of ≥1 cm cut-off -which is widely used for cholecystectomy indication-, was 94.3% and negative predictive value was 85%.

Conclusions

Approximately a third of polypoid lesions in the cholecystectomies (regardless of the indication) prove to be neoplastic. The vast majority of (90%) of polyps ≥1 cm and virtually all of those ≥2 cm are neoplastic confirming the current impression that polyps ≥1 cm ought to be removed. However, this study also illustrates that 30% of the neoplastic polyps are <1 cm and therefore small polyps should also be closely watched, especially in older patients.

Pitfalls in assessing stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) in breast cancer

Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are important prognostic and predictive biomarkers in triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer. Incorporating sTILs into clinical practice necessitates reproducible assessment. Previously developed standardized scoring guidelines have been widely embraced by the clinical and research communities. We evaluated sources of variability in sTIL assessment by pathologists in three previous sTIL ring studies. We identify common challenges and evaluate impact of discrepancies on outcome estimates in early TNBC using a newly-developed prognostic tool. Discordant sTIL assessment is driven by heterogeneity in lymphocyte distribution. Additional factors include: technical slide-related issues; scoring outside the tumor boundary; tumors with minimal assessable stroma; including lymphocytes associated with other structures; and including other inflammatory cells. Small variations in sTIL assessment modestly alter risk estimation in early TNBC but have the potential to affect treatment selection if cutpoints are employed. Scoring and averaging multiple areas, as well as use of reference images, improve consistency of sTIL evaluation. Moreover, to assist in avoiding the pitfalls identified in this analysis, we developed an educational resource available at www.tilsinbreastcancer.org/pitfalls.

The path to a better biomarker: application of a risk management framework for the implementation of PD-L1 and TILs as immuno-oncology biomarkers in breast cancer clinical trials and daily practice

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 are now the standard of care in oncology across several hematologic and solid tumor types, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Patients with metastatic or locally advanced TNBC with PD-L1 expression on immune cells occupying ≥1% of tumor area demonstrated survival benefit with the addition of atezolizumab to nab-paclitaxel. However, concerns regarding variability between immunohistochemical PD-L1 assay performance and inter-reader reproducibility have been raised. High tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have also been associated with response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with breast cancer (BC). TILs can be easily assessed on hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides and have shown reliable inter-reader reproducibility. As an established prognostic factor in early stage TNBC, TILs are soon anticipated to be reported in daily practice in many pathology laboratories worldwide. Because TILs and PD-L1 are parts of an immunological spectrum in BC, we propose the systematic implementation of combined PD-L1 and TIL analyses as a more comprehensive immuno-oncological biomarker for patient selection for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition-based therapy in patients with BC. Although practical and regulatory considerations differ by jurisdiction, the pathology community has the responsibility to patients to implement assays that lead to optimal patient selection. We propose herewith a risk-management framework that may help mitigate the risks of suboptimal patient selection for immuno-therapeutic approaches in clinical trials and daily practice based on combined TILs/PD-L1 assessment in BC. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Protocolized referral to endoscopy and Helicobacter pylori detected in stools aimed to decrease endoscopy waiting lists]

Background Chile has one of the highest mortality rates by gastric cancer (GC) worldwide. Primary prevention of GC and detection of pre-neoplastic and early neoplastic lesions should be a national priority. Aim To assess the impact of the protocolization of endoscopy referral and the use of H. pylori stool antigen test (HPSA) in the management of dyspepsia to decrease the waiting list for endoscopy and increase the detection of gastric pre-neoplastic and early neoplastic lesions. Material and Methods We included all patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit of a regional hospital, from January 2015 to December 2017. We also included patients with known pre-neoplastic lesions and all those with first degree relatives with GC. We implemented protocols for referral of patients with dyspepsia considering the use of HPSA test, prioritizing to endoscopy those with a higher risk of GC. Results A total of 4,641 endoscopies and 2,631 HPSA tests were carried out. After the adoption of these protocols, we observed a 52% decrease in the waiting time for endoscopy. The GC detection rate in this period was 1.8 to 3.1 cases per 100 endoscopies. After the adoption of the protocols, we observed a significant increase in early GC detection rate (from none in 2015 to 13% in 2017, p = 0.03). Conclusions The protocolization of the referral for endoscopy associated with widespread use of HPSA test in the management of patients with dyspepsia, are successful strategies to decrease waiting lists for endoscopy and optimize the detection rate of pre-neoplastic lesions and early GC.

Sarcomatoid carcinomas of the gallbladder: clinicopathologic characteristics

Sarcomatoid carcinomas recently came into the spotlight through genetic profiling studies and also as a distinct model of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The literature on sarcomatoid carcinomas of gallbladder is limited. In this study, 656 gallbladder carcinomas (GBC) were reviewed. Eleven (1.7%) with a sarcomatoid component were identified and analyzed in comparison with ordinary GBC (O-GBC). Patients included 9 females and 2 males (F/M = 4.5 vs. 3.9) with a mean age-at-diagnosis of 71 (vs. 64). The median tumor size was 4.6 cm (vs. 2.5; P = 0.01). Nine patients (84%) presented with advanced stage (pT3/4) tumor (vs. 48%). An adenocarcinoma component constituting 1-75% of the tumor was present in nine, and eight had surface dysplasia/CIS; either in situ or invasive carcinoma was present in all cases. An intracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasm was identified in one. Seven showed pleomorphic-sarcomatoid pattern, and four showed subtle/bland elongated spindle cells. Three had an angiosarcomatoid pattern. Two had heterologous elements. One showed few osteoclast-like giant cells, only adjacent to osteoid. Immunohistochemically, vimentin, was positive in six of six; P53 expression was > 60% in six of six, keratins in six of seven, and p63 in two of six. Actin, desmin, and S100 were negative. The median Ki67 index was 40%. In the follow-up, one died peri-operatively, eight died of disease within 3 to 8 months (vs. 26 months median survival for O-GBC), and two were alive at 9 and 15 months. The behavior overall was worse than ordinary adenocarcinomas in general but was not different when grade and stage were matched. In summary, sarcomatoid component is identified in < 2% of GBC. Unlike sarcomatoid carcinomas in the remainder of pancreatobiliary tract, these are seldom of the "osteoclastic" type and patients present with large/advanced stage tumors. Limited data suggests that these tumors are aggressive with rapid mortality unlike pancreatic osteoclastic ones which often have indolent behavior.

Abstract B29: ZNF516 a potential tumor suppressor gene candidate is implied in tumor progression in cervical cancer

Background: In Cervical Cancer (CC) the role of HPV is fundamental; however, not all HPV infected women will develop this disease. Therefore, other mechanisms, such as silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSG), could be implied in cervical carcinogenesis. In a previous study, we constructed methylation microarrays, where we found promoter aberrant hypermethylation of ZNF516 gen in CC, postulating it as TSG candidate. The aim of this study was to characterizer ZNF516 role in cervical carcinogenesis and cell cycle.

Materials and methods: ECT1 E6/E7 (immortalized normal squamous epithelia cell line) and three CC cell lines: SiHa, C-4I and C-33A were cultivated for experiments. ZNF516 expression was determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Treatment with 10 μM 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine (5- aza) was performed to evaluate a possible epigenetic regulation. Transfection with pCMV6-ZNF516-GFP (ZNF516) and pCMV6-GFP (Empty) was carried out in C-33A cell line through lipofection followed by G418 selection to obtain stable transfection. Viability and clonogenic assay was performed to evaluate transfected cell behaviour. Also, immnunohistochemical analysis was performed in 509 cervical biopsy tissues (55 normal; 188 low-squamous intraepithelial lesions; 205 high- squamous intraepithelial lesions and 57 squamous cervical cancers).

Results: ZNF516 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in SiHa (p&lt;0.01) and C-33A (p&lt;0.001) respect to ECT1 E6/E7. Western blot showed a deregulated protein expression of ZNF516 in all CC cell lines. After treatment with 5-aza, mRNA (p&lt;0.05) and protein expression of ZNF516 of all CC cell lines were restored. ZNF516 transfected C-33A showed a significant colony formation (p&lt;0.01) and viability (p&lt;0.01) decrease compared with C-33A transfected with the empty vector. Nuclear expression of ZNF516 in cervical biopsies showed a diminished expression in SCC respect to normal epithelia (p&lt;0.001)

Conclusions: There is a clear ZNF516 dysregulation in CC cell lines, and the inactivation mechanism seem to be methylation. Restored expression of ZNF516 in C-33A cell line modifies the tumor phenotype, decreasing cellular viability and colony formation. These results suggest that ZNF516 could be a TSG, and its inactivation promotes CC developing.

Citation Format: Carmen Gloria Ili, Tamara Viscarra, Juan Carlos Araya, Jaime Lopez, Barbara Mora, Javier Retamal, Enrique Bellolio, Susana Aedo, Juan Carlos Roa, Priscilla Brebi. ZNF516 a potential tumor suppressor gene candidate is implied in tumor progression in cervical cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Cancer Cell Cycle - Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Response; Feb 28-Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(11_Suppl):Abstract nr B29.

[Predictive value of breast imaging report and database system (BIRADS) to detect cancer in a reference regional hospital]

BACKGROUND

To validate the BIRADS in mammography, the calculation of its predictive value in each center is required, as recommended by the American College of Radiology.

AIM

To determine the predictive value of the BIRADS system in our center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All ultrasound guided needle percutaneous biopsies, performed at our center between 2006 and 2010 were reviewed. Predictive value, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of BIRADS were calculated, with a confidence interval of 95%.

RESULTS

Of 1,313 biopsies available, 1,058 met the inclusion criteria. Fifty eight percent of biopsies were performed to women with mammographies classified as BIRADS 4 or 5. The presence of cancer in mammographies classified as BIRADS 0 was 4%. The prevalence of cancer for mammographies BIRADS 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 0, 3, 2.7, 17.7 and 72.4% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of BIRADS classification were 55 and 92 % respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our institution BIRADS classification 4 and 5 has a high positive predictive value for detecting cancer as in developed countries.

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is activated in gastric cancer with potential prognostic and predictive significance

Signaling pathway alterations are important in the development of gastric cancer (GC). Deregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in the regulation of multiple cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Our goal was to assess expression of proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tumor and nontumor gastric mucosa from patients with advanced GC. We evaluated 71 tumor and 71 nontumor gastric mucosa samples from advanced GC patients, selected from Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital (Temuco, Chile). The targets studied were PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, PTEN, mTOR, p-mTOR, P70S6K1, p-P70S6K1, 4E-BP1, p-4E-BP1, eIF4E, and p-eIF4E. Expression data were correlated with clinicomorphological data. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used (95 % confidence interval, p < 0.05). For survival analyses, the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used. PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, P70S6K1, p-P70S6K1, eIF-4E, and p-eIF-4E proteins were significantly overexpressed in tumor tissue. Conversely, PTEN was underexpressed in tumor tissue, notably in pT3-pT4 tumors (p = 0.02) and tumors with lymph node metastases (p < 0.001). P70S6K1 expression was associated with pT3-pT4 tumors (p = 0.03). Moreover, PI3K (p = 0.004), AKT (p = 0.01), p-AKT (p = 0.01), P70S6K1 (p = 0.04), p-P70S6K1 (p = 0.001), and eIF-4E (p = 0.004) were overexpressed in tumors with lymph node metastases. Low expression of 4E-BP1 was associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.03). Our results suggest that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is activated in GC, with overexpression in tumor tissue of most of the studied proteins (total and phosphorylated). These might be considered as target for specific targeted therapy in GC.

[Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: report of one case]

BACKGROUND

We report a 35-year-old female patient with a one year history of a pustular and painful erythematous dermatitis, located in great folds, pubis and abdomen. She was evaluated in primary health care, receiving antifungal treatment, antimicrobials, topical and systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with no response. A skin biopsy was compatible with subcorneal pustular dermatosis. She was initially treated with prednisone (0.8 mg/kg), observing a partial response. Therefore clotrimoxazole was initiated, obtaining an excellent response after 30 days of treatment.

[Prognostic factors for gastric cancer without lymph node involvement]

BACKGROUND

The absence of lymph node involvement (N0) in gastric cancer is associated with a better survival. However some N0 gastric tumors still have a bad prognosis.

AIM

To study demographic and morphological variables associated with prognosis in N0 gastric carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Review of pathological records of a regional general hospital, identifying patients with a N0 gastric cancer surgically excised between 1986 and 2003.

RESULTS

In the study period, 459 gastrectomies were performed for gastric cancer and in 32%, the tumor was devoid of lymph node involvement. These later patients were followed for a median of 64 months with a 71% five years actuarial survival. Bivariate analysis identified age, tumor size, gastric wall infiltration, pathological type according to Lauren and Ming, lymphovascular involvement, number of lymph nodes excised and TNM stage as prognostic values Multivariate analysis disclosed the level of gastric wall infiltration, the presence of a poorly differentiated tumor, lymphatic vascular involvement, number of excise lymph nodes and tumor size as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

N0 gastric tumors are found in 32% of gastrectomies for gastric cancer and have a 71% five years actuarial survival. Gastric wall infiltration, pathological degree of differentiation tumor size and lymphovascular involvement are independent prognostic factors.

[Concordance between Gleason scores of trans rectal biopsies and the surgical piece of radical prostatectomy]

BACKGROUND

Gleason pathological score in prostate cancer is an important prognostic indicator. However, the concordance between the score of trans rectal needle biopsies and the final score of the surgical piece may be variable.

AIM

To analyze the concordance between Gleason scores of trans rectal prostate biopsies and those of the surgical piece obtained after prostatectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 168 pathological records of radical prostatectomies, performed between 1993 and 2009. All these patients had also a trans rectal biopsy performed previously. Patients with less than 12 tissue cylinders obtained during the trans rectal biopsy or incomplete data were not included in this analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty eight percent of trans rectal biopsies had Gleason scores that were concordant with those of the surgical piece. The score was higher or lower in 27 and 10% of biopsies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Gleason scores of trans rectal biopsies and those of the surgical piece were concordant in 68% of cases in this series of pathological records.