FOXO3 gene hypermethylation and its marked downregulation in breast cancer cases: A study on female patients

Background

FOXO3, a member of the FOX transcription factor family, is frequently described as being deregulated in cancer. Additionally, notable role of FOXO3 can be easily recognized in the process of ageing and survival. Even though various studies have been done to acknowledge the tumour-suppressive or oncogenic role of FOXO3 in cancer, still there exist a lack of understanding in terms of cancer prognosis and treatment. Therefore, to provide better insight, our study aims to evaluate the role and function of FOXO3 in breast cancer in Indian female patients. We examined the FOXO3 expression levels in breast cancer samples by analyzing mRNA and protein expression along with its clinicopathological parameters.

Results

A total of 127 cases of breast cancer with equal normal cases (n=127) were assessed with methylation (MS-PCR), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), mRNA expression using Real-time PCR was analysed and 66.14% cases at mRNA level were found to be downregulated, while 81.10% of cases had little or very little protein expression. Our data state, the promoter hypermethylation of the FOXO3 gene and the downregulated protein expression are significantly correlated (p=0.0004). Additionally, we found a significant correlation between the level of FOXO3 mRNA with ER (p=0.04) and status of lymph node (p=0.01) along with this.

Conclusion

Data suggests the prognostic significance and the tumour-suppressive role of FOXO3 in breast cancer cases studied in India. However, there is a need for the extended research targeting FOXO3 to measure its clinical potential and develop well-defined therapeutic strategies.

Long-Term Survivors of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Tertiary Care Centre Experience

Background Prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is poor and goal of treatment is mainly palliative unless there is limited metastatic disease which is surgically resectable. Here, we report a case series of long-term survivors treated predominantly with chemotherapy.

Methods This is a single-center retrospective analysis of patients of mCRC. Records of metastatic colorectal cancer patients registered at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, between the year 2005 and 2015 were retrieved and reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients who survived 5 years or more, treated mainly by chemotherapy, with either initial presentation as metastatic disease or those who progressed after initial surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. The details about the patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome were collected. The data were censored on September 30, 2020.

Results Records of 370 mCRC patients were reviewed. Thirty-one patients with all the available details fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the study. Median age was 53 years (range, 22–74 years). Sixteen were women (51.6%). Twenty-four (77%) were newly diagnosed cases with initial presentation as metastatic disease. Commonest site of primary was on the left (21, 67.6%) followed by right side and transverse colon in 5 patients each. Liver was the most common site of metastasis ( n = 18, 58.06%). In metastatic setting, the most common chemotherapy regimen used in the first line was CAPOX ( n = 11, 35.48%). Only three patients could undergo metastatectomy. Monoclonal antibodies could be used only in 14 patients. Median overall survival (OS) of this cohort is 81.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.73–117.9).

Conclusion A small but significant proportion of mCRC patients may achieve and maintain durable responses and long term survival with use of combination of chemotherapy with or without biologics.

Colorectal Cancers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries-Demographic Pattern and Clinical Profile of 970 Patients Treated at a Tertiary Care Cancer Center in India

PURPOSE

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of incidence and second in terms of mortality. A relatively low burden of CRC has been reported from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and there is a paucity of publications related to CRC from LMIC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A computerized comprehensive structured CRC clinical database was developed. All the patients with histopathologically proven CRC undergoing either curative and palliative multimodality management or surgical interventions between 2000 and 2019 were included in the study. A descriptive analysis of the demographic profile and clinical spectrum was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 970 patients of CRC were treated between 2000 and 2019. Of these, 401 patients (41.3%) had colon cancer and 569 (58.7%) had rectal cancer. The male-to-female ratio was 1.79:1. The mean age at presentation was 47.7 years. A total of 337 (34.7%) patients qualified as young CRC (≤ 40 years of age at diagnosis). The commonest symptom among patients with colon cancer was abdominal pain; 55.6% of patients had a right-sided primary tumor as compared with 42.2% with left-sided tumors. The commonest symptom among patients with rectal cancer was bleeding per rectum. The predominant location of the tumor was in the lower rectum (58%). Majority of patients with CRC presented with locally advanced stage II and III disease. The most common histologic subtype encountered for both colon and rectal cancers was adenocarcinoma (84.8% and 81.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study has revealed certain important findings related to CRC in LMIC including a higher burden of young colorectal cancer, a relatively higher proportion of rectal cancers in comparison with colon cancer, a high percentage of patients with low-rectal cancer, and advanced stage at presentation.

Metastatic colo-rectal cancer: real life experience from an Indian tertiary care center

Background

No data exist for the long-term outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) from the Southern part of Asia. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the survival outcome of mCRC from an Indian tertiary care center. The study also aims to highlight the treatment pattern practiced and the unique clinico-pathologic characteristics.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective observational study done at a large referral tertiary care center in North India. All patients with synchronous or metachronous mCRC who received at least one dose of chemotherapy for metastatic disease, registered between 2003 to 2017 were included. Primary outcome measures were overall survival and progression-free survival and prognostic factors of overall survival. Descriptive analysis was done for the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment patterns. Kaplan Meier method for overall survival and progression-free survival. Cox regression analysis was performed for the determination of the prognostic factors for overall survival.

Result

Out of 377 eligible patients, 256 patients (68%) had de novo metastatic disease and the remaining 121 (32%) progressed to metastatic disease after initial treatment. The cohort was young (median age, 46 years) with the most common primary site being the rectum. A higher proportion of signet (9%) and mucinous histology (24%). The three common sites of metastasis were the liver, peritoneum, and lung. In the first line, most patients received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (70%). Only 12.5% of patients received biologicals in the first-line setting. The median follow-up and median overall survival of study cohort were 17 months and 18.5 months. The factors associated with poor outcome for overall survival on multivariate analysis were ECOG performance status of > 1, high CEA, low albumin, and the number of lines of chemotherapy received (< 2).

Conclusion

The outcome of mCRC is inferior to the published literature. We found a relatively higher proportion of patients with the following characteristics; younger, rectum as primary tumor location, the signet, and mucinous histology, higher incidence of peritoneum involvement. The routine use of targeted therapies is limited. Government schemes (inclusion of targeted therapies in the Ayushman scheme), NGO assistance, and availability of generic low-cost targeted drugs may increase the availability.

Low Cost, Low Dose, Oral, Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Protocol in Locally Advanced Borderline Oral Cancers-Feasibility Study

A vast majority of oral cancer patients in developing countries present in an advanced stage with borderline resectable/inoperable stage to busy resource-constrained tertiary cancer centers. Conventional chemotherapy protocols are associated with issues like toxicity, tolerance, cost, and compliance. The present study was conducted to assess the feasibility of low-cost home-based chemotherapy options. Single-arm feasibility study was done in borderline resectable/inoperable oral cancer patients. Home-based oral neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of oral methotrexate 15 mg/m² once a week and oral celecoxib 200 mg twice daily for 8 weeks was used. RECIST Criteria 1.1 was used to assess response to therapy. The study included 60 patients. The mean age was 51.98 years with male predominance (80%). Fifty-five patients adhered to the treatment; the compliance rate is 91.60%. Affordability (Rs 700 per month) and tolerance to therapy was 100%, and no grade III or IV toxicity was seen. Overall, 18 patients had stable disease (32.73%), partial response was seen in 15 patients (27.27%), and the disease progressed in 22 patients (40%). At the end of 8 weeks, 26 (43.3%) patients were deemed resectable. Neoadjuvant low cost, home-based metronomic chemotherapy using oral methotrexate and celecoxib seems to be a viable option in managing advanced oral cancer in resource-constrained setups.

Microarray based gene expression profiling of advanced gall bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive cancer with specific predilection like female gender and specific geographical areas, however the molecular mechanisms and factors contributing to the clinical or biological behavior are not understood.

AIM

The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed genes in advanced GBC and chronic cholecystitis (CC) cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Microarray was planned on fresh specimens of advanced GBC and CC cases using single color cRNA based microarray technique (8X60K format; Agilent Technologies, USA). Twelve advanced GBC and four CC patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

Of the total of 1307 differentially expressed genes, 535 genes were significantly upregulated, while 772 genes were significantly downregulated in advanced GBC vs CC samples. Differentially expressed genes were associated with biological processes (55.03%), cellular components (31.48%), and molecular functions (13.49%) respectively. The important pathways or key processes affected were cell cycle, DNA replication, oxidative stress, gastric cancer pathway. Using in silico analysis tools, three differentially expressed genes i.e. TPX2, Cdc45 and MCM4 were selected (for their significant role in DNA replication and microtubule function) and were further validated in 20 advanced GBC cohort by immunohistochemistry. Significant positive association of Cdc45 and MCM4 proteins was found in advanced GBC cases (p = 0.043), suggesting the probable oncogenic role of Cdc45 and MCM4 proteins in advanced GBC.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate the potential regulation of Cdc45-MCM4 axis in advanced GBC tumors. Additionally, our study also revealed a range of differentially expressed genes (e.g. TPX2, AKURA etc.) between GBC and CC, and further validation of these genes might provide a potential diagnostic or therapeutic target in future.

Association of mutation and low expression of the CTCF gene with breast cancer progression

Background

CTCF encodes 11-zinc finger protein which is implicated in multiple tumors including the carcinoma of the breast. The Present study investigates the association of CTCF mutations and their expression in breast cancer cases.

Methods

A total of 155 breast cancer and an equal number of adjacent normal tissue samples from 155 breast cancer patients were examined for CTCF mutation(s) by PCR-SSCP and automated DNA sequencing. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) method was used to analyze CTCF expression. Molecular findings were statistically analyzed with various clinicopathological features to identify associations of clinical relevance.

Results

Of the total, 16.1% (25/155) cases exhibited mutation in the CTCF gene. Missense mutations Gln > His (G > T) in exon 1 and silent mutations Ser > Ser (C > T) in exon 4 of CTCF gene were analyzed. A significant association was observed between CTCF mutations and some clinicopathological parameters namely menopausal status (p = 0.02) tumor stage (p = 0.03) nodal status (p = 0.03) and ER expression (p = 0.04). Protein expression analysis showed 42.58% samples having low or no expression (+), 38.0% with moderate (++) expression and 19.35% having high (+++) expression for CTCF. A significant association was found between CTCF protein expression and clinicopathological parameters include histological grade (p = 0.04), tumor stage (p = 0.04), nodal status (p = 0.03) and ER status (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The data suggest that CTCF mutations leading to its inactivation significantly contribute to the progression of breast cancer.

Thoracoabdominal Flap: a Simple Flap for Covering Large Post-mastectomy Soft Tissue Defects in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) constitutes 40-50% of breast cancer in developing countries. Large soft tissue defects after mastectomy often require some additional cover. The primary aim of reconstruction in this group should be an expeditious and simple closure with good-quality skin cover, early recovery, and short hospital stay so that the patients can receive early post-operative radio-chemotherapy. Thoracoabdominal (TA) flap is a type-c fasciocutaneous flap and the skin and fat of the upper abdomen are used, based on medial or lateral perforating vessels. We present our experience of TA flap cover for large post-mastectomy defects. A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained breast cancer database in the Department of Surgical Oncology from January 1994 to December 2017 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, was performed. The medical records of patients undergoing TA flap cover were analyzed to assess operative duration, blood loss, post-operative morbidity, hospital stay, adjuvant treatment, recurrence patterns, and survival outcome. A total of 3142 breast cancer patients underwent surgery, of which 1840 were LABC and 88 patients (4.13%) of LABC required flap cover for the closure of mastectomy defect. TA flap was used in majority of these patients 72/83 (86.7%) for cover. Majority was stage IIIB (54 out of 72) and we could achieveR0 resection in all patients. TA flap was done following MRM in 60 patients and RM in 12 patients. Upfront primary surgery was performed in 27 patients and 45 underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Most commonly laterally based flaps were done, except 4 medially based flaps. The mean operating time was 30 min and blood loss was 45 ml. Mean hospital stay was 4.45 days. Superficial flap necrosis occurred in 6 and wound infection in 4 patients, all managed conservatively. Only 2 patients had major flap loss and required debridement and skin grafting. Planned post-operative radiation could be delivered in most of the patients in time. At a mean follow-up of 24 months, only 9 out of 72 (12.5%) patients had a loco-regional recurrence. Results of our experience show that TA flap is a simple, cost-effective procedure for managing large post-mastectomy soft tissue defects in LABC. It has huge potential in developing countries dealing with a large number of LABC because of simplicity and short learning curve.

Gallbladder cancer incidence in Delhi urban: A 25-year trend analysis

INTRODUCTION

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) falls into the top ten leading cancer sites in urban Delhi. The incidence of GBC in females is more than that among males worldwide. The present study evaluates the temporal variation of GBC incidence in an urban Delhi population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 25-year GBC incidence data were obtained from Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) of Delhi which covered nearly 97.5% of the population and 75% of Delhi. We applied joinpoint regression method to determine the trend of GBC incidence from 1988 to 2012. The estimated cumulative risk (0-74) and lifetime risk of developing GBC were also calculated.

RESULTS

GBC contributed 6% of total cancer cases in Delhi during the year 2012. In the past 25 years, 12,410 GBC cases (4010 males and 8400 females) were registered and contributed approximately 3% of male cancer cases and 6.5% of female cancer cases. The median age at diagnosis of GBC was 60.13 years and 57.22 years in males and females, respectively. Joinpoint analysis showed an overall increasing trend of age-adjusted rates of GBC incidence over 25 years. In females, a downward trend was observed during 1992-2004, whereas in males, the trend remained consistent during 1991-2005; however, thereafter, it started significant increasing for both the genders. Age-specific trend of GBC also reflects an increasing trend among males and females after 2004.

CONCLUSION

The total and age-specific GBC cases have show an increasing trend in the past 25 years in urban Delhi. Stringent steps are required to control the modifiable risk factors for reducing the incidence of GBC in Delhi. In addition, individuals should also practice a healthy lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of GBC as well as other diseases.

Impact of p53 arg72pro SNP on Breast Cancer Risk in North Indian Population

Background:

Genetic changes in p53 gene contribute to breast cancer susceptibility.

Objective and Methods:

A case-control study and a meta-analysis were performed to investigate the role of p53 codon72 SNP with breast cancer susceptibility in Indian women.

Results:

p53 heterozygous arginine variant was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer in total cohort. In meta-analysis, Allelic and GG vs. CC genetic comparison model were found to be associated with breast cancer risk. Moreover, recessive comparison model indicated a protective correlation with breast cancer occurrence.

Conclusion:

The findings of our case-control study and meta-analysis suggest a significant association between p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and an increased risk of breast cancer in Indian population.

Retrospective study of efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab in HER2-positive locally advanced and oligometastatic breast cancer: An Indian experience

BACKGROUND

The neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer consists of a chemotherapy backbone and HER2-directed therapy. The increase in cardiotoxicity by the use of trastuzumab with an anthracycline-based regimen has led to the use of nonanthracycline-based alternative regimens. The docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (TCH) are one such regimen. The efficacy and toxicity of this regimen have not been widely studied in Indian patients.

AIMS

This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant TCH regimen in locally advanced and oligometastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in Indian patients.

METHODOLOGY

The hospital records between January 2014 and December 2016 were reviewed to identify patients with locally advanced and oligometastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with uniform 3-weekly neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocol-containing docetaxel (75 mg/m2), carboplatin (AUC = 6), and trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading followed by 6 mg/kg) (TCH). The primary outcome was the pathologic complete response (pCR), which was defined as an absence of invasive and noninvasive cancer in breast or lymphnode.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients with mean age 46 years met our inclusion criteria, of these 24 patients had locally advanced breast cancer, and eight patients had oligometastatic breast cancer. 13 (40.6%) patients had hormone-positive breast cancer. The objective response rate as assessed clinically was 100%, and pCR rate was 36.3%. The patients with oligometastatic breast cancer also showed a good response to chemotherapy with three patients showing pCR and four patients showing resolution disease at metastatic sites. The patients experienced very few Grade III/IV toxicities, and no patient had clinical congestive heart failure.

CONCLUSION

The TCH protocol is an efficacious neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen for locally advanced and oligometastatic breast cancer and is safe and well tolerated in this population.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Female Breast Cancer in Delhi, India

Background:

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in females worldwide. The Population Based Cancer Registry data of Delhi were here used to describe the epidemiology and trends in breast cancer incidence in Delhi.

Methods:

Crude rate, age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) and age-specific incidence rates were calculated using the data collected by Delhi PBCR for the year 2012. The time trend of breast cancer incidence was evaluated by joinpoint regression using the PBCR data from 1988-2012.

Results:

A total of 19,746 cancer cases were registered in 2012, 10,148 in males and 9,598 in females. Breast cancer was the leading site of cancer in females accounting for 2,744 (28.6%) of cases with a median age of 50 years. The crude and age standardized incidence rates for breast cancer were 34.8 and 41.0 per 100,000 females, respectively. Age specific incidence rates increased with age and attained a peak in the 70-74 years age group.. A statistically significant increase in ASR with an annual percentage change (APC) of 1.44% was observed.

Conclusions:

The breast, which was the second most common cancer site in Delhi in 1988, has now surpassed cancer of cervix to become the leading site over the years. A similar trend has also been noted for other metropolitan cities viz. Bangalore, Bhopal and Chennai. Though the ASRs in these are comparable, they are still low compared to Western countries. Changing life styles in metropolitan cities like delayed marriage, late age at first child birth, lower parity and higher socio-economic status, may be some of the probable primary cause for higher incidences of breast cancer in urban as opposed to rural areas.

Male breast cancer: A single institute experience

BACKGROUND

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease and accounts for 1% of all breast cancers. There is limited data on MBC from India. The aim of our study was to assess clinico-pathological parameters and outcome in MBC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This analysis was carried out in 76 patients of MBC who were registered at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital of All India Institute Of Medical Sciences between 1996 and 2012. Patients' records were retrospective reviewed and data obtained from the computer database using International Classification of Diseases code (C-50).

RESULTS

The median age was 59 years (range: 28-80). The median duration of symptoms was 11 months (range: 0.5-40). Breast lump was the most common presenting symptom (left > right side). American Joint Committee on Cancer (7th edition) stage distribution was Stage I-2.6%, Stage II-13.1%, Stage III-59.3% and Stage IV-25%. Modified radical mastectomy was the commonest surgical procedure. Moreover, 30% of tumors were high-grade and 70% had pathological node positive disease. Estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/neu positivity was 80% and 28%, respectively. Triple negative breast cancer constituted 19% of cases. With a median follow-up of 36 months, 3 years relapse free survival and overall survival was 60% and 80%. Advanced stage and visceral metastasis at baseline predicted poor outcome.

CONCLUSION

MBC constituted 0.8% at our institute. Our study population had a longer time to presentation, advanced disease at presentation, more HER2/neu positivity and triple negativity higher than the available literature.

Young breast cancer: A single center experience

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer in women aged less than 35 years is uncommon and accounts for 1-2% of all breast cancer in the West. There is a paucity of data on young breast cancer from India. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical, pathological, prognostic factors and outcome in young breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This analysis was performed in 251 patients aged <35 years or less (defined as breast cancer in the young), who were registered at our institute over an 11 year period between 2001 and 2011.

RESULTS

The median age was 31 years (range 18-35). Positive family history (siblings and parents) was elicited in only 10 patients. The TNM stage distribution was: Stage I was 2.5%, stage II - 20.5%, stage III - 55% and stage IV - 22%. The median clinical tumor size was 5.1 cm. Modified radical mastectomy was the most common surgical procedure and this was done in 79% of cases. 40% of tumors were high grade and 60% had pathological node positive disease. Estrogen and Progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu positivity were 33% and 29% respectively. Triple negative breast cancer constituted 31% of patients. With a median follow-up of 30 months, 3 years relapse free survival and overall survival was 51% and 66%.

CONCLUSION

Young women constituted 8% of breast cancer cases. Advanced disease at presentation and triple negativity (nearly one third of patients) results poor outcome.

A study on promoter methylation of PTEN in sporadic breast cancer patients from North India

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic silencing of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) through DNA methylation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Present study investigates the contribution of PTEN promoter methylation and its associated protein expression in sporadic breast cancer patients from North India.

METHODS

A total of 360 paired breast carcinoma and adjacent normal tissue samples from 180 sporadic breast cancer patients were included in the present study and examined for PTEN promoter methylation status by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry method was used for determining PTEN protein expression. Molecular findings were statistically correlated with various clinicopathological parameters to identify associations of clinical relevance.

RESULTS

Presence of PTEN promoter methylation (39.44 %) significantly correlated with its expression downregulation (45.56 %) in breast tumors (P = 0.0001). Furthermore, their interaction with various clinical parameters was evidenced in stratified analysis. Correlation of PTEN promoter methylation with histologically more malignant grade and PTEN expression loss with triple negative tumor status remained significant even after Bonferroni correction (P < 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Results implicate promoter methylation to be a mechanism partially responsible for PTEN silencing in sporadic breast cancer for North Indian women. Besides, methylation and expression loss of PTEN exhibited promising potential as candidate biomarkers of risk assessment in subcategorized breast tumors with critical pathologic parameters.

Pregnancy associated breast cancer: an institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) has been defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year of delivery. There is a paucity of data on PABC from India. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical-pathological parameters and outcome of PABC at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened approximately 3,750 cases registered from January 2001 to December 2012 and found 26 cases of PABC. Patients' records were obtained from the computer database using International Classification of Diseases code (C-50).

RESULTS

The median age was 26 years (range 20-35). The median duration of symptoms was 11.5 months. The American Joint Committee on Cancer stage distribution was Stage I - 1, Stage II - 3, Stage III - 14 and in Stage IV - 8 patients. Median clinical tumor size is 5.5 cm. Four patients were presented with the inflammatory breast cancer. Positive family history was elicited in three patients. Twenty-one patients were diagnosed after delivery, two patients in the first trimester, two patients in the second trimester and three patients in the third trimester. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) negativity and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) positivity was 56% and 38%, respectively. Nearly, 40% of patients had a high-grade tumor and 70% had pathological node positivity. With a median follow-up of 33 months, 3 years relapse free survival and overall survival was 40% and 50% respectively. Bone was the most common site for systemic relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

PABC constituted 0.7% of all breast cancer patients. It is associated with advanced stage at presentation. Half of them were ER/PR negative and one-third was HER2/neu positive.

Developing a prognostic model for localized Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: A single institutional experience of 224 cases treated with uniform chemotherapy protocol

BACKGROUND

Data on patients with localized Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) who have received a uniform chemotherapy protocol are minimal.

METHODS

This is a single institutional review of patients with ESFT treated between June 2003 and November 2011.

RESULTS

224/374 (60%) patients with ESFT presented with localized disease; median age was 15 years (range: 0.1-55). Ninety-nine patients underwent surgery of which 50 received adjuvant radiotherapy; 80 patients received radical radiotherapy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. At median follow-up of 40.2 months (range: 1.3-129), 5-year EFS, OS, and local-control-rate, were 36.8 ± 3.6%, 52.4 ± 4.3%, and 63 ± 4.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, tumor diameter > 8 cm (P = 0.03), symptom duration > 4 months (P = 0.04), and WBC > 11 × 10(9) /L (P = 0.003) predicted inferior EFS; spine/abdomino-pelvic primary (P = 0.009) and WBC > 11 × 10(9) /L (P = 0.003) predicted inferior OS. Tumor size > 8 cm (P = 0.03) and radical radiotherapy as local treatment (P = 0.01) predicted inferior local-control-rate.

CONCLUSION

Prognostic hazard models for EFS and OS based on significant prognostic factors suggested that patients with combination of ESFT of spine/abdomino-pelvic region and baseline WBC > 11 × 10(9) /L had inferior OS (hazard ratio 4.44, P < 0.001) while patients with combination of ESFT with symptom duration > 4 months, tumor diameter > 8 m and baseline WBC > 11 × 10(9) /L had inferior EFS (hazard ratio 3.89, P = 0.002).

Evaluation of outcome and prognostic factors in extraosseous Ewing sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Data on extraosseous Ewing sarcoma (EES) with uniform chemotherapy protocol are minimal. We aimed to examine this aspect in our patients, identify prognostic factors and compare the same with osseous Ewing sarcoma.

PROCEDURES

A single institutional data review of patients with EES treated between June 2003 and November 2011 with uniform chemotherapy and evaluated on intent-to-treat analysis was done.

RESULTS

Of 374 patients with Ewing sarcoma, 60 (16%) were EES with median age 16 years; 20 (33%) had metastases. After median follow-up of 25 months (range: 1.7-104.4), 5-year event free survival (EFS), OS, and local-control-rate were 47.1 ± 7.9%, 61.6 ± 7.8%, and 77.9 ± 8.6%, respectively for entire EES cohort. In multivariate analysis, hemoglobin ≤ 10 g/dl (P = 0.03), and white blood cell count (WBC) >11 × 10(9) /L (P = 0.009) predicted inferior EFS for the entire EES cohort. Low hemoglobin (P = 0.05) and high LDH (P = 0.01) predicted inferior OS for the entire EES cohort on multivariate analysis. As compared to the cohort of skeletal primary (n = 314), higher proportion of patients underwent surgery in the cohort of EES (P =  .003); EFS (P = 0.004) and OS (P = 0.08) were superior for patients with EES than patients with skeletal Ewing sarcoma.

CONCLUSION

These data of EES suggests that low hemoglobin and high WBC count adversely affect EFS. Overall outcome was significantly better for EES than skeletal primary tumors.

Hypoalbuminaemia is an independent predictor of poor outcome in metastatic Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours: a single institutional experience of 150 cases treated with uniform chemotherapy protocol

AIMS

Data on metastatic Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT) with uniform chemotherapy protocol are minimal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single institutional patient review of patients treated between June 2003 and November 2011 and evaluated on an intent-to-treat analysis. All patients received uniform chemotherapy: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), surgery and/or radiotherapy as local treatment followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Local treatment was offered if the patient achieved a complete response and/or a partial response at both the primary and the metastatic site.

RESULTS

In total, 150/374 (40%) ESFT patients were metastatic, with a median age of 15 years (range: 2-50); a tumour diameter of 10 cm (range: 1.8-26). Most common metastatic sites were lung only (53; 35%), bone only (35; 23%) and combined bone/lung (25; 17%). Twenty patients underwent surgery; 55 patients received radical radiotherapy after NACT. After a median follow-up of 26.1 months (range: 1.6-101.6), 5 year event-free survival (EFS), overall survival and local control rate (LCR) were 9.1 ± 3.3%, 16.9 ± 5.2% and 31.8 ± 7.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed serum albumin ≤3.4 g/dl (P < 0.001) to predict inferior EFS. Tumour size >8 cm (P = 0.05), haemoglobin ≤10 g/dl (P = 0.04), hypoalbuminaemia (P = 0.003) and radical radiotherapy as local treatment (P = 0.03) predicted inferior overall survival. No factor significantly predicted LCR, although age ≤15 years (P = 0.08) and radical radiotherapy as local treatment (P = 0.09) had a trend towards inferior LCR. Hypoalbuminaemia was the only prognostic factor to predict EFS on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

This was the largest study of metastatic ESFT from Asia and identified a unique prognostic factor. In view of dismal prognosis with conventional chemotherapy in metastatic ESFT with hypoalbuminaemia, palliative intent therapy may be a potential therapeutic alternative for this subgroup of patients, especially in resource-challenged situations.

Multimodality management of synovial sarcoma: Review of single institutional experience

e21506

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignancies constituting 1% of all solid tumors. Synovial sarcoma (SS) constitutes 5-10% of all sarcomas. Histopathologically SS is classified as Monophasic, Biphasic and Poorly differentiated varieties and majority are high grade. There is paucity of literature pertaining to SS from developing countries. Methods: Study population was selected from a prospectively maintained STS database at the department of Surgical Oncology, Dr BRAIRCH, AIIMS. All patients with pathological diagnosis of SS were included for the analysis. Results: A total of 446 patients of STS were treated from 1995 to 2009 and 80 cases of pathologically proven SS were selected. Median age at diagnosis was 33 years. There were 53 males (66.3%) and 27 females (33.8%). Most common site was proximal lower limb, majority involving thigh. Sixty one patients presented with prior inadequate interventions including intralesional excision or marginal excision. Sixty seven cases had tumors more than 5 cm in size and 27 more than 10 cm. Lymph nodes were seen in 9 patients (11.3%) but only 4 showed pathological involvement. According to MSKCC staging 83% had stage III disease and stage I and II constituted 10.5%. Ten patients had metastasis at presentation and all of them had lung metastasis. Among the extremity sarcoma, 35 (43.8%) patients had limb salvage surgery and the rest required amputations due to advanced nature of disease. Overall 15% of cases required reconstruction and only 6 had positive margin. Postoperatively 35 patients received radiotherapy and 52 received chemotherapy (Adriamycin Ifosamide based). At a median follow up of 59 months,10 patients had local recurrence and 34 (42.5%) patients had systemic relapse mainly in the lungs (27 patients). At last follow up, 58 patients were alive of which 44 were disease free. The overall 5 year survival was 52%. Conclusions: SS is a rare tumor involving younger age group. Due to lack of awareness among patients and physician, majority present with suboptimal surgical intervention or advanced stage in developing countries resulting in a low limb salvage rate. Most common site of relapse is lung despite multimodality management resulting in a modest 5-year survival of 52%.

Outcome and prognostic factors in metastatic primitive neuroectodermal tumors with uniform chemotherapy protocol: A single center experience of 150 patients

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Background: Data on metastatic primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) with uniform protocol is minimal. Methods: This is single institutional patient review treated between June 2003-Nov 2011, and evaluated on intent-to-treat analysis. All patients received uniform chemotherapy (VAC/IE) as follows: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), surgery and/or radiotherapy as local treatment followed by ACT. Local treatment was offered if patient achieved CR and/or PR at both primary and metastatic site. Results: 150/374 (40%) PNET patients were metastatic with median age 15 years (range: 2–50); tumor diameter 10 cm (range: 1.8-26) and symptom duration 4 months (range: 0.1-30). Most common tumor region was pelvis 34 (23%), thorax 26 (17%) and femur in 26 (17%). Most common metastatic sites were lung only 53 (35%), bone only 35 (23%), combined bone/lung 25(17%), and bone marrow 37 (25%). Post-NACT, 9 (6%) achieved CR and 79 (53%) PR (53%) with ORR 59%. Twenty patients underwent surgery; 55 patients received radical radiotherapy following NACT. At median follow-up of 20.8 months (range: 1.6–95), 5-year EFS, OS and local control rate (LCR) were 7.6%, 15% and 37.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors in entire group and lung only metastases group is shown in the Table. Conclusions: This is the largest study of metastatic PNET from Asia and has identified unique prognostic factors. Hypoalbuminemia had inferior EFS; radical radiotherapy had inferior LCR. In group with only lung metastases, age ≤15 years and number of metastases >3 had lower EFS. In view of dismal prognosis with conventional chemotherapy in metastatic PNET, metronomic therapy may be a potential therapeutic alternative for subgroup of metastatic patients with hypoalbuminemia. [Table: see text]

Breast cancer in the young (≤35 years): A single center study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences

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Background: Breast cancer in young women (</= 35 years) is uncommon and accounts for 1-2 % of all breast cancer in the West. There is limited data on breast cancer in the young from India. The aim of our study was to assess clinical, pathological parameters and outcome in young breast cancer patients. Methods: We carried out an analysis of 271 patients of young breast cancer patients (</=35 years) registered between 2000 to 2012 at I.R.C.H, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. Results: The median age was 31 years (range 18-35). The median duration of symptoms was 10 months (range 0.25-60). Breast lump was the commonest (93%) presenting symptom (left >right side). Ninety percent of patients were married and median age at first child birth was 23 years. Positive family history was elicited in only 15 patients. The TNM stage distribution was: stage I was 3 %, stage II- 20%, stage III- 55%, and stage IV- 22%. The median clinical tumour size was 5.1 cm. Modified radical mastectomy was the commonest surgical procedure and this was done in 80 % of cases. The histopathological analysis showed 93% had infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Thirty percent of tumours were high grade and 55% had pathological node positive disease. ER/PR and her-2neu positivity was 33% and 30% respectively. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) constituted 33%. Fifty five patients presented with metastasis. A combination of anthracycline and taxanes were used in the majority of patients and Trastuzumab could be used only in 6 cases out of 72 patients who were Her-2 neu positive. With a median follow up of 30 months (non metastatic group), three years disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was 50% and 60%. Higher nodal stage, tumour size (>5 cm), negative hormonal status (triple negative) and visceral metastasis at baseline predicted poor outcome. Conclusions: Young women constituted 8 % of breast cancer cases, this proportion is much higher than the published Western figures of 1-2 % and reflects younger age of our population. Even in this young group ER/ PR positivity was 33% and almost a third were her-2 neu positive. Higher nodal stage, tumour size (>5 cm), triple negativity and visceral metastasis at baseline predicted poor outcome.

A randomized controlled trial comparing modified gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (mGEMOX) to gemcitabine plus cisplatin in the management of unresectable gall bladder cancer

TPS4162

Background: In a recently conducted study we have shown that combination of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin is superior to 5 fluorouracil and leucoverine or best supportive care. (Sharma A, Dwary AD, Mohanti BK,et al. Best supportive care compared with chemotherapy for unresectable gall bladder cancer:A randomized controlled study. J Clin Oncol. 2010; 28: 4581-4586.) In another recent publication from UK, gemcitabine and cisplatin combination was found superior to gemcitabine alone in biliary tract cancers (J W Valle, HS Wasan, DD Palmer, et al. Cisplatin plus gemcitabine versus gemcitabine for biliary tract cancer. N Eng J Med. 2010;362:1273-1281.).The current study is being planned to see whether the combination of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin is equivalent (equivalence study) to gemcitabine and cisplatin in these patients. Methods: Primary end point of the study is overall survival in subjects receiving mGEMOX or GemCis regimen. Secondary end points are: a) Comparison of progression free survival in 2 groups; b) Response rates in two groups; c) Identification of genes predictive of responses in a subset of patients; d) To evaluate role of PET CT in GBC patients predicting disease activity. Sample size was calculated taking median survival of 9.5 months in our previous study with mGEMOX and 11.7 months with GemCis. For this total of 216 patients are required (108 in each arm); to make for major protocol violation and lost to follow up additional 22 patients in each arm will be enrolled. Thus in total 260 patients (130) in each arm will be recruited. This will have alpha and beta values of 0.05 and 0.20 respectively. So far 103 patients have been enrolled and interim analysis is being planned. Treatment protocol: Cycles will be repeated every 3 weeks. Arm A- mGEMOX. Inj Oxaliplatin 80 mg/m22 hours infusion in Dextrose 5% Day 1 and 8. Inj Gemcitabine 900 mg/m2IV 30 minutes infusion day 1 and 8 maximum of 6 cycles. Arm B- GEMCIS. Inj Cisplatin 25 mg/m2PO Days 1 and 8. Inj Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2IV 30 minutes infusion day1and 8 maximum of 8 cycles. Clinical trial information: CTRI/2010/091/001406.

Outcome and prognostic factors in localized primitive neuroectodermal tumors with uniform chemotherapy protocol: A single center experience of 224 cases

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Background: Data on localized PNET with uniform protocol is minimal. Methods: This is single institutional patient review treated between June 2003-Nov 2011, and evaluated on intent-to-treat analysis. All patients received uniform chemotherapy (VAC/IE) as follows: neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), surgery and/or radiotherapy as local treatment followed by ACT. Results: 224/374 (60%) PNET patients were localized with median age 15 years (range: 0.1–55), tumor diameter 8 cm (range: 1.6-25) and symptom duration 4 months (range: 0.5-30). Regions were extremities 40%, thorax 25% and head & neck 14%. Post-NACT, CR was 32(14%); PR 152(68%) with ORR 82%. Ninety-nine patients underwent surgery (50/99 received adjuvant radiotherapy); 80 received radical radiotherapy as local therapy. There were no adverse tumor characteristics or poor NACT response in radical radiotherapy group versus surgery group. At median follow-up of 31.1 months (range: 1.3–113.4), 5-year EFS, OS and local control rate (LCR) were 34±3.5%, 52.5±4.7% and 59.5±4.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors is shown in the Table. Conclusions: This is largest data of localized PNET from Asia which identified unique prognostic factors. Localized PNET constituted 60% of entire cohort with delayed presentation. High WBC may be a marker of micrometastatic disease or an adverse paraneoplastic response. Skeletal primary and tumor diameter >8 cm predicted inferior OS and LCR; additionally radical radiotherapy predicted inferior LCR. All efforts should be made to resect primary tumor post-NACT as radical radiotherapy alone despite good NACT response results in inferior LCR. [Table: see text]

Soft tissue sarcoma-review of experience at a tertiary care cancer centre

This study is a retrospective analysis of prospective data base of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) maintained in the department of Surgical Oncology, Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (BRA-IRCH), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, which is a tertiary care cancer centre. A total of 300 patients of STS were treated between 1995 and 2006. The mean age at presentation was 40.6 years and males were more affected then females. Extremity sarcomas were more common than non extremity sarcoma and lower limb dominated upper limb. The median size of tumor was 8 cm (range 1-40 cm). MRI scan was the preferred imaging modality and tissue diagnosis was obtained by core biopsy. Synovial Sarcoma and Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma were the common histology. Majority (75%) tumors were of high grade. Patients were staged according to MSKCC staging system. Limb Salvage Surgery was offered to all patients where ever feasible. Wide excision with a gross three dimensional tumor free margin of 2 cm was performed. Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy was offered to all high grades, large and recurrent tumors along with perioperative brachytherapy implant for tumor bed. High grade tumors were also offered adjuvant Adriamycin based Chemotherapy. Limb salvage rate was 68% in extremity sarcoma. During follow up 114 (38%) patients had relapse of disease mainly systemic, lungs being the commonest site.

GSTP1 methylation and polymorphism increase the risk of breast cancer and the effects of diet and lifestyle in breast cancer patients

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are an important group of isoenzymes that play an essential role in the detoxification of carcinogens. Polymorphism at exon 5 of the GST π family decreases the catalytic activity and affects the detoxification ability of the enzyme, GSTP1. GSTP1 promoter hypermethylation and loss of expression are frequently observed in various types of carcinoma. We hypothesized that somatic epigenetic modification in homozygous mutants increases the degree to which breast cancer risk is affected by lifestyle factors and dietary habits. The present study used tumor biopsies and blood samples from 215 breast cancer patients and 215 blood samples from healthy donors. GSTP1 polymorphism was studied using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, methylation using methylation-specific PCR and loss of expression using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. No significant increase was observed in the breast cancer risk of individuals with the mutant (Val) allele [odds ratio (OR), 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.97–2.26 for heterozygotes; OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.86–2.42 homozygous mutants]. GSTP1 promoter hypermethylation was detected in one-third of tumor biopsies (74/215) and was found to be associated with a loss of expression. Genotype and tumor methylation associations were not observed. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor-positive tumors had a higher methylation frequency. GSTP1 polymorphism was not associated with increased promoter hypermethylation. The results suggest that GSTP1 methylation is a major event in breast carcinogenesis and may act as a tumor-specific biomarker.

Gastric Cancer: a retrospective analysis from AIIMS, New Delhi

Carcinoma of stomach is the leading cause of cancer related death in the last century worldwide. However in many parts of the world, the incidence has gradually decreased due to changes in food habit and the environment. The proximal gastric and gastro-esophageal junction (GE junction) cancer has markedly increased in the last three decades. The only proven curative treatment is surgery, but due to high recurrence rate, efforts are still going on regarding better systemic and regional adjuvant therapies. The present study is a retrospective analysis of all the post-operative (post-op) cases of carcinoma stomach and the GE junction being registered and treated in our department from June 1995 to February 2008. The total number (no.) of patients (pts) were 69 (54 stomach, 15 GE junction), males 49, females 20, KPS 50-90 (median 80), length of the lesion was <5cm in 28 pts, transmural infiltration along with serosa involvement was found in 40 pts. Histologically, adenocarcinoma was detected in 61 pts and metastatic spread in 50 pts. Thirty-six pts had surgery in another center prior to registration. Forty-nine pts had subtotal gastrectomy, while lymph nodes dissection was done in 64 pts. Chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) was given in 49 pts, and 54 pts received >30 Gy dose of radiation. Macdonald's regimen was used in 49 pts. Treatment compliance was found in 53 pts, but only 05 pts were hospitalized for supportive management. Pts were followed up from 01-69 months (median 12 months) and the recurrence was found in 13 pts (median 14 months). The multimodality intervention is better treatment option in the management of carcinoma of stomach.

Clinical and pathological response rates of docetaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer and comparison with anthracycline-based chemotherapies: eight-year experience from single centre

INTRODUCTION

The administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) prior to local therapy is advantageous for women with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), since it can render inoperable tumors resectable and can increase rates of breast conservative surgeries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed LABC patients who received NACT from January 2000 to December 2007. Out of 3000 case records screened, 570 (19%) were LABC and 110/570 (19%) treatment-naïve patients started on NACT were analyzed. Ninety-one (37 docetaxel [D], 54 anthracycline [A]) patients were eligible for response and survival analysis. Pathological complete remission (pCR) was defined as no evidence of malignancy in both breast and axilla.

RESULTS

Median age of the whole cohort was 45 years (range 25-68 years). Premenopausal were 42% and estrogen receptor + 49.5%. Most (90%) were T4 tumors and 70% were Stage IIIB. Median numbers of preoperative cycles were six and three in the D and A group respectively. Overall clinical response rates for breast primary were 74.3% and 53.7% (CR 28.6% vs. 16.7%, P=0.58) while for axilla ORR were 75.7% vs. 54.8% (51.4% vs. 40.4% CR, P=0.77) respectively for D and A. Corresponding pCR rates were 19% vs. 13% respectively. There was no significant difference in disease-free (three-year 56.84% vs. 61.16%, P=0.80) and overall survival (three-year 70% vs. 78.5%, P=0.86) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although pCR rates were higher with docetaxel-based NACT, it did not translate into superior disease-free survival / overall survival compared to anthracycline-based chemotherapies.

A review of controversies in the management of soft tissue sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) constitute a rare and challenging group of solid tumor in the field of oncology. Unlike other malignancies STS can affect a wide variety of anatomical regions in the body with varied histo-pathological variants and clinical outcomes. There are controversies in the diagnosis and management of STS due to rarity and heterogeneity of the disease entity. Due to dedicated research and advances made in the field of imaging, pathology, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy certain controversies were laid to rest and treatment approach to STS could be standardized to a large extent in the recent past. A review of controversies related to STS was performed in this article and an attempt was made to present a balanced view pertaining to these issues.

Aggressive palliative surgery in metastatic phyllodes tumor: impact on quality of life

Metastatic phyllodes tumor has very few treatment options. Phyllodes tumor in metastatic setting has limited role of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy or combined treatment. Most of the patients receive symptomatic management only. We present a case of metastatic phyllodes tumor managed with aggressive margin negative resection of primary tumor leading to palliation of almost all the symptoms, which eventually led to improved quality of life and probably to improved survival. The improved quality of life was objectively assessed with Hamilton depression rating scale. Surgery may be the only mode of palliation in selected patients that provides a better quality of life and directly or indirectly may lead to improved survival.

Disease profile and treatment results of anal canal SCC: experience from AIIMS, New Delhi

INTRODUCTION

Anal Canal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for nearly 2% of all cancers of the alimentary tract. Over the past few years, the management of anal canal cancer has changed from primary surgery to primary chemo-radiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

A total of 83 patients' (pts) records (62 males, 21 females) were retrospectively reviewed. Length of disease was <5 cm in 44 pts and confined to primary in 46 pts. Ten pts have anti-cancer therapy outside. We delivered radiotherapy (RT) alone to 16 pts, chemotherapy (CT) alone to 4 pts, CRT in 51 pts and pre-operative (pre-op) RT in 2 pts. RT dose was up to 30 Gray (Gy) =16; 30-50 Gy=12 and >50 Gy=41 pts.

RESULTS

RT compliance was optimal in 64/69, grade (Gr) ≤ 2 toxicity in 56/69 and Gr ≥ 2 in 13/69 pts. Thirteen pts (18.84%) were hospitalized during RT. No response (NR) was found in 4/83, <50% in 18/83, >50-<100% in 39/83 and complete response (CR) in 22/83 pts. Recurrence at primary site was seen in 7 and loco-regional in 2 pts. Salvage therapy was done in all 9 pts (surgery=8 and CT=1). Status at last follow up, alive without disease = 22/83 and with disease = 61/83 pts.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis revealed that the advanced disease was in 47%, the optimal anti-cancer therapy could be delivered to 63.9%. Despite heterogeneity of patient population and management, the overall disease-free survival (DFS) with sphincter-preservation was achieved in 26.5% pts.

Role of surgery in breast metastasis from carcinoma of the cervix

Carcinoma of the cervix is the most common malignancy among women in India. Although metastatic disease is common, metastasis to breast is rare. A limited number of case reports are published in the world literature. Most of the previous reports of metastatic cervical carcinoma to breast are either autopsy series or widely disseminated disease where no treatment options were available. A rare case of cervical carcinoma presenting as metastasis in breast is reported here where palliative mastectomy improved the general condition of the patient. A female patient aged 58 years was diagnosed and treated for cervical carcinoma, FIGO stage 2B. Four months after the treatment which included both external beam and intracavitory radiotherapy, the patient presented with breast and lung metastasis. Palliative mastectomy was done which improved the general condition of the patient. Metastatic carcinoma of the cervix can present as a case of breast carcinoma. In an appropriate setting, this possibility should be kept in mind. Palliative mastectomy should be offered for patients of cervical carcinoma with metastasis to breast when needed.