molecular pathology of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

Since the first description of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)of the pancreas in the eighties,their identification has dramatically increased in the last decades,hand to hand with the improvements in diagnostic imaging and sampling techniques for the study of pancreatic diseases.However,the heterogeneity of IPMNs and their malignant potential make difficult the management of these lesions.The objective of this review is to identify the molecular characteristics of IPMNs in order to recognize potential markers for the discrimination of more aggressive IPMNs requiring surgical resection from benign IPMNs that could be observed.We briefly summarize recent research findings on the genetics and epigenetics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms,identifying some genes,molecular mechanisms and cellular signaling pathways correlated to the pathogenesis of IPMNs and their progression to malignancy.The knowledge of molecular biology of IPMNs has impressively developed over the last few years.A great amount of genes functioning as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes have been identified,in pancreatic juice or in blood or in the samples from the pancreatic resections,but further researches are required to use these informations for clinical intent,in order to better define the natural history of these diseases and to improve their management.

European vs 2015-World Health Organization clinical molecular and pathological classification of myeloproliferative neoplasms

The BCR/ABL fusion gene or the Ph^1-chromosome in the t(9;22)(q34;q11)exerts a high tyrokinase acticity,which is the cause of chronic myeloid leukemia(CML).The1990 Hannover Bone Marrow Classification separated CML from the myeloproliferative disorders essential thrombocythemia(ET),polycythemia vera(PV)and chronic megakaryocytic granulocytic myeloproliferation(CMGM).The 2006-2008 European Clinical Molecular and Pathological(ECMP)criteria discovered 3variants of thrombocythemia:ET with features of PV(prodromal PV),"true"ET and ET associated with CMGM.The 2008 World Health Organization(WHO)-ECMP and 2014 WHO-CMP classifications defined three phenotypes of JAK2^(V617F)mutated ET:normocellular ET(WHO-ET),hypercelluar ET due to increased erythropoiesis(prodromal PV)and ET with hypercellular megakaryocytic-granulocytic myeloproliferation.The JAK2^(V617F)mutation load in heterozygous WHO-ET is low and associated with normal life expectance.The hetero/homozygous JAK2^(V617F)mutation load in PV and myelofibrosis is related to myeloproliferative neoplasm(MPN)disease burden in terms of symptomaticsplenomegaly,constitutional symptoms,bone marrow hypercellularity and myelofibrosis.JAK2 exon 12mutated MPN presents as idiopathic eryhrocythemia and early stage PV.According to 2014 WHO-CMP criteria JAK2 wild type MPL^(515)mutated ET is the second distinct thrombocythemia featured by clustered giant megakaryocytes with hyperlobulated stag-horn-like nuclei,in a normocellular bone marrow consistent with the diagnosis of"true"ET.JAK2/MPL wild type,calreticulin mutated hypercellular ET appears to be the third distinct thrombocythemia characterized by clustered larged immature dysmorphic megakaryocytes and bulky(bulbous)hyperchromatic nuclei consistent with CMGM or primary megakaryocytic granulocytic myeloproliferation.

PVSG and WHO vs European Clinical,Molecular and Pathological Criteria for prefibrotic myeloproliferative neoplasms

The Polycythemia Vera Study Group(PVSG),World Health Organization(WHO) and European Clinical,Molecular and Pathological(ECMP) classifications agree upon the diagnostic criteria for polycythemia vera(PV) and advanced primary myelofibrosis(MF). Essential thrombocythemia(ET) according to PVSG and 2007/2008 WHO criteria comprises three variants of JAK2V617 F mutated ET when the ECMP criteria are applied. These include normocellular ET,hypercellular ET with features of early PV(prodromal PV),and hypercellular ET due to megakaryocytic,granulocytic myeloprolifera-tion(ET.MGM). Evolution of prodromal PV into overt PV is common. Development of MF is rare in normocellular ET(WHO-ET) but rather common in hypercellular ET.MGM. The JAK2V617 F mutation burden in heterozygous mutated normocellular ET and in heterozygous/homozygous or homozygous mutated PV and ET.MGM is of major prognostic significance. JAK2/MPL wild type ET associated with prefibrotic primary megakaryocytic and granulocytic myeloproliferation(PMGM) is characterized by densely clustered immature dysmorphic megakaryocytes with bulky(bulbous) hyperchromatic nuclei,which are never seen in JAK2V617 F mutated ET,and PV and also not in MPL515 mutated normocellular ET(WHO-ET). JAK2V617 mutation burden,spleen size,LDH,circulating CD34+ cells,and pre-treatment bone marrow histopathology are mandatory to stage the myeloproliferative neoplasms ET,PV,PMGM for proper prognosis assessment and therapeutic implications. MF itself is not a disease because reticulin fibrosis and reticulin/collagen fibrosis are secondary responses of activated polyclonal fibroblasts to cytokines released from the clonal myeloproliferative granulocytic and megakaryocytic progenitor cells in ET.MGM,PV and PMGM.

Cavitary Pulmonary Metastases: CT Features and Their Correlation with the Pathology of the Primary Malignancy

Objective: To study CT features of cavitary pulmonary metastases and to investigate the pos- sible relationship between CT features and the pathology of the primary lesions. Methods: CT ?ndings of 131 cavitary metastatic nodules in 40 patients with pathologically-proved pulmonary metastases were retrospectively analyzed. A comparison between CT signs and the pathologic types of the primary tumors was made. Results: Cavitary metastases and multiple solid nodules coexisted in all patients. Cavitary metastases presented as bubble (n=41), irregular (n=33), cystic (n=26) or small circular (n=31) cavities, with even (n=61) or uneven (n=70) thickness of the cavity wall. Of 131 cavitary nodules, diameter less than 15 mm was seen in 44, between 15–25 mm in 66, 25–40 mm in 17 and larger than 40 mm in 4 respectively. And the wall thickness of the cavity below 4 mm, between 4–15 mm and over 15 mm was respectively seen in 69, 44 and 18 metastatic nodules. Cavitary pulmonary metastases mainly occurred in patients whose primary malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (n=13) or adenocarcinoma (n=22). Both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma had its own CT characteristics. The occurrence of cavity bore no relationship to its site in the lung. Conclusion: Cavitary pulmonary metastases carries certain CT features and its occurrence is related to the pathologic type of the primary malignancy.

Intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasia of the pancreas:Histopathology and molecular biology

Intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm(IPMN) of the pancreas is a clinically and morphologically distinctive precursor lesion of pancreatic cancer,characterized by gradual progression through a sequence of neoplastic changes.Based on the nature of the constituting neoplastic epithelium,degree of dysplasia and location within the pancreatic duct system,IPMNs are divided in several types which differ in their biological properties and clinical outcome.Molecular analysis and recent animal studies suggest that IPMNs develop in the context of a field-defect and reveal their possible relationship with other neoplastic precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer.

The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in evaluating the size of early-stage breast neoplasms

Objective Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Accurate evaluation of the size and extent of the tumor is crucial in selecting a suitable surgical method for patients with breast cancer. Both overestimation and underestimation have important adverse effects on patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and ultrasound(US) examination for measuring the size and extent of early-stage breast neoplasms.Methods The longest diameter of breast tumors in patients with T_(1–2)N_(0–1)M_0 invasive breast cancer preparing for breast-conserving surgery(BCS) was measured preoperatively by using both MRI and US and their accuracy was compared with that of postoperative pathologic examination. If the diameter difference was within 2 mm, it was considered to be consistent with pathologic examination.Results A total of 36 patients were imaged using both MRI and US. The mean longest diameter of the tumors on MRI, US, and postoperative pathologic examination was 20.86 mm ± 4.09 mm(range: 11–27 mm), 16.14 mm ± 4.91 mm(range: 6–26 mm), and 18.36 mm ± 3.88 mm(range: 9–24 mm). US examination underestimated the size of the tumor compared to that determined using pathologic examination(t = 3.49, P < 0.01), while MRI overestimated it(t =-6.35, P < 0.01). The linear correlation coefficients between the image measurements and pathologic tumor size were r = 0.826(P < 0.01) for MRI and r = 0.645(P < 0.01) for US. The rate of consistency of MRI and US compared to that with pathologic examination was 88.89% and 80.65%, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between them(χ~2 = 0.80, P > 0.05).Conclusion MRI and US are both effective methods to assess the size of breast tumors, and they maintain good consistency with pathologic examination. MRI has a better correlation with pathology. However, we should be careful about the risk of inaccurate size estimation.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm in Jinhua,China:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm(BPDCN)is a rare and clinically aggressive hematologic malignancy originating from the precursors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells.BPDCN often involves the skin,lymph nodes,and bone marrow,with rapid clinical progression and a poor prognosis.The BPDCN diagnosis is mainly based on the immunophenotype.CASE SUMMARY In this paper,we retrospectively analyzed 2 cases of BPDCN.Both patients were elderly males.The lesions manifested as skin masses.Morphological manifestations included diffuse and dense tumor cell infiltration of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.Immunohistochemistry staining showed that cluster of differentiation CD4,CD56,CD43,and CD123 were positive.CONCLUSION In this paper,we retrospectively analyzed 2 cases of BPDCN.Both patients were elderly males.The lesions manifested as skin masses.Morphological manifestations included diffuse and dense tumor cell infiltration of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.Immunohistochemistry staining showed that cluster of differentiation CD4,CD56,CD43,and CD123 were positive.

唾液腺肿瘤诊治研究进展

唾液腺肿瘤是最常见的口腔颌面部肿瘤之一,根据国内7所口腔医学院口腔病理科的统计资料,在69902例口腔颌面部肿瘤中唾液腺上皮性肿瘤有23010例,占32.9%[1]。唾液腺肿瘤的诊断和治疗长期以来一直是北京大学口腔医院的临床特色项目,作者曾于2015年在本刊发表《北京大学口腔医院唾液腺肿瘤研究50年回顾》一文,对2012年前的50年唾液腺肿瘤研究工作做了系统性总结[2],本文介绍近10年本课题组唾液腺肿瘤诊治研究的新进展。

人工智能在结直肠无蒂锯齿状病变中的应用进展

结直肠无蒂锯齿状病变(SSL)是一种重要的结直肠癌癌前病变,也是间期结直肠癌的重要原因。结直肠SSL虽然具有独特的组织结构和形态学特征,但内镜下检出率低,组织病理学诊断变异度高,是结直肠癌筛查中最易漏诊的病变之一。近年来,人工智能在结直肠疾病诊断中的应用迅速增多,已有研究发现人工智能辅助内镜技术可提高结直肠SSL的检出率和诊断准确性,辅助病理诊断可提高诊断效率和一致性。本文就当前人工智能在结直肠SSL中的应用进展进行综述。

基于临床及多模态超声特征风险评分模型鉴别乳腺BI-RADS 4A类良、恶性病变

目的 观察基于临床及多模态超声特征风险评分模型鉴别乳腺乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)4A类良、恶性病变的价值。方法 前瞻性纳入177例多模态乳腺超声提示BI-RADS 4A类病变患者,按7∶3比例分为训练集(n=123)与测试集(n=54)。以单因素及多因素logistic回归分析临床及灰阶超声、CDFI、弹性成像超声参数,筛选乳腺BI-RADS 4A类良、恶性病变的独立鉴别因素并以之构建风险评分模型。以术后病理或随访结果为标准,利用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线获取模型鉴别乳腺BI-RADS 4A类良、恶性病变的最佳截断值,评估模型鉴别效能。结果177例中,良性39例、恶性138例。患者年龄>58岁,病变直径>15.1 mm、形状不规则、血流1或2级和病变周围2 mm环状区域(shell)声触诊弹性成像值标准差(shell-STESD)>16.33 kPa均为乳腺BI-RADS 4A类恶性病变的独立危险因素。以6.5为最佳截断值,风险评分模型鉴别训练集高危与低危病例的敏感度为84.69%(83/98)、特异度为88.00%(22/25),在测试集中分别为77.50%(31/40)及71.43%(10/14)。结论 基于临床及多模态超声特征风险评分模型可有效鉴别乳腺BI-RADS 4A类良、恶性病变。

Clinico-pathologic significance of neuroendocrine cells in gastric carcer tissue

AIMS To elucidate the biological and clinicopathological signifi- cance of neuroendocrine(NE)cells in gastric carcinoma(GC). METHODS One hundred and eighty-nine cases of various histo- logical types of GC were observed using light microscopy, histochemistry,immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Of them 127 patients were followed up. RESULTS Chromogranin A(CgA)positive GC was demonstrat- ed in 85 cases(45.0%).The typos of NE cells in GC were probed using 9 kinds of hormone antibodies 49 cases(67.2%) contained more than one hormone.NE cells were found more often in poorly differentiated GC than in well differentiated ones(P<0. 01).Expression of some kinds of hormone Was relative to the dif- ferentiation and histological types of GC.BOM,CT(P<0.01) GAST and 5-HT(P<0.05)were more expressed in poorly differ- entiated cases than in well defferentiated ones.Nineteen cases of the matastatic foci in regional lymph nodes were found to have CgA positive cancer cells.The presence of HCG in matastatic lymph nodes was more often observed than that of other hormone (P<0.01).The survival rate of patients with NE positive GC was 38.9% and negative GC 52.7%.Five of 7 patients(71. 4%)with somatostatin positive GC still survived at follow up of 33-66 months,but 4 patients with HCG positive GC died in 12-29 months. CONCLUSIONS The NE cells occur more frequently in poorly differentiated GC.Certain hormones appear to be related to the metastasis and prognosis.

Histopathological study of hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization

AIMS To study the histopathological changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). METHODS Histopathological analysis was made in 39 cases of liver neoplasms after TAE and 11 cases of liver neoplasms after digital selective angiography (DSA), including pathological type, histological grade, necrotic degree, capsule, times of treatment, injured vessel and lymphocyte infiltration. RESULTS Six cases with 100% necrosis, 14 cases with 30% 95% necrosis, 19 cases with 0% 5% necrosis after TAE and 11 cases without necrosis after DSA were found histologically. The necrosis was related to the pathological type, capsule, injured vessels, but not to the histological grade, time of treatment and lymphocyte infiltration of the liver neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS TAE is an effective therapy for the late stage HCC. The encapsulated HCC is a preferable indicator for TAE.

胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤的CT和MRI特征对预测其病理分级的价值

目的探究胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤(pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm,panNEN)的CT和MRI特征对预测其病理分级的价值。材料与方法回顾性分析北京大学第三医院106例panNEN患者的临床及影像资料,本研究遵循世界卫生组织(World Health Organization,WHO)2019年第五版的分类和分级标准,将panNEN中的G1、G2、G3级神经内分泌肿瘤(neuroendocrine neoplasm,NEN)和神经内分泌癌(neuroendocrine carcinoma,NEC)分别划分为低级别组(G1级NEN)和中高级别组(包括G2、G3级NEN和NEC)。对患者性别、年龄和病灶的形态、位置、体积、囊实性质、CT特征(平扫、增强动脉期和静脉期相CT值、动脉期和静脉期CT图像的增强模式)、MRI特征[T1、T2加权MRI图像上的信号强度、扩散加权成像(diffusion-weighted imaging,DWI)序列b值=1000 s/mm^(2)图像的信号强度及表观扩散系数(apparent diffusion coefficient,ADC)图像的信号强度],以及血管侵犯和肝转移进行统计学分析。运用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验、卡方检验及Wilcoxon秩和检验比较panNEN不同病理分级和病灶相关参数的差异,并采用二元logistic回归构建预测模型,使用受试者工作特征曲线下面积(area under the curve,AUC)评估模型预测效能,采用DeLong检验比较模型间的AUC值的差异。校准曲线评估模型的拟合度,决策曲线分析评估模型的临床价值。结果低级别组与中高级别组在肿瘤体积、肝转移和血管侵犯方面的差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),而在性别、年龄、囊实性质和发生部位方面的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。CT和MRI特征中,仅DWI和ADC图信号特征差异具有统计学意义。多因素logistic回归分析显示,肿瘤体积、肝转移和血管侵犯是panNEN病理分级的独立预测因素,联合后构建的模型预测panNEN中高级别组的AUC达0.861(95%CI:0.798~0.923),敏感度为78.1%,特异度为83.3%。结论基于肿瘤体积、肝转移和血管侵犯的联合模型在术前能有效预测panNEN病理分级。

卵巢癌组织CLDN10、三结构域蛋白59表达及其临床意义

目的分析卵巢癌组织紧密连接蛋白10(CLDN10)、三结构域蛋白59(TRIM59)表达及其临床意义。方法该研究选取2017年2月至2019年2月在鹤壁市人民医院接受手术的112例卵巢癌病人术中切除的卵巢癌组织及癌旁组织。采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测CLDN10、TRIM59 mRNA表达;采用免疫组织化学法检测CLDN10、TRIM59蛋白表达;采用Pearson法分析CLDN10、TRIM59的相关性;CLDN10、TRIM59与预后的关系采用Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析;卵巢癌病人预后的危险因素采用Cox回归分析。结果与癌旁组织相比,卵巢癌组织中CLDN10 mRNA表达水平(0.62±0.14比1.00±0.23)及蛋白阳性表达率(39.29%比63.39%)明显降低(P<0.05),TRIM59 mRNA表达水平(1.64±0.32比1.01±0.25)及蛋白阳性表达率(64.29%比38.39%)明显升高(P<0.05)。根据Pearson相关性分析得知,卵巢癌组织中CLDN10、TRIM59 mRNA表达水平呈负相关(P<0.05)。卵巢癌组织中CLDN10、TRIM59表达与国际妇产科联盟(FIGO分期)、分化程度、淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05)。根据Kaplan-Meier法得知,卵巢癌组织中CLDN10阳性表达病人3年生存率高于阴性表达病人(P<0.05);卵巢癌组织中TRIM59阳性表达病人3年阳性生存率低于阴性表达病人(P<0.05)。根据Cox回归分析表明,CLDN10阴性、TRIM59阳性是影响卵巢癌病人预后的危险因素[HR=2.15,95%CI:(1.15,4.00);HR=3.55,95%CI:(1.55,8.10)]。结论卵巢癌组织中CLDN10阴性、TRIM59阳性是卵巢癌预后的危险因素,二者有可能作为有价值的预后标志物。

Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma:A clinicopathologic study in a Chinese population

AIM:To investigate whether the clinicopathologic features of infantile hemangioendothelioma(IHE) of the liver in a Chinese population are similar to the features observed in other races.METHODS:The clinical data,radiological findings,histopathological changes and outcome of 12 cases of IHE diagnosed by the Department of Pathology,West China Hospital over the last 10 years were analyzed retrospectively.Immunohistochemical studies were carried out using antibodies against CD31,CD34,Factor Ⅷ,cytokeratin 8 and cytokeratin 18.RESULTS:The 12 patients were aged from fetal to 5 years(three males and nine females).The tumor was presented with different clinical manifestations,mainly as an asymptomatic,palpable,upper abdominal mass,except for the two fetuses who were detected antena-tally by ultrasound.In one patient,this presentation was accompanied by an initial severe pneumothorax.No symptoms of congestive heart failure were present and neither congenital abnormalities nor vascular tumors in the skin or other organs were found.Laboratory abnormalities included leukocytosis(40%),anemia(60%),thrombocytosis(60%),hyperbilirubinemia(16.7%),abnormal liver function(50%) and increased α-fetoprotein(80%).Based on radiological findings and gross specimens,the tumor presented as a solitary lesion or a multifocal space-occupying lesion.The tumor size ranged from 5.0 cm × 3.5 cm × 2.0 cm to 13.8 cm × 9.0 cm × 7.7 cm,and the 0.2-1.1 cm nodules were diffusely distributed within the multifocal tumor.Seven cases were surgically resected,three cases underwent biopsy and the two fetuses were aborted.Histologically,nine cases were classified as typeⅠ and three as type Ⅱ,presenting aggressive morphologic features,immature vessels,active mitosis and necrosis.An inflammatory component,predominantly eosinophilic granulocytes,sometimes obscured the nature of the tumor.Ten patients are alive after a follow-up of 1-9 years.Based on immunohistochemistry,the endothelial cells in all cases were positive for CD31,CD34 and polyclonal factor Ⅷ antigen,whereas the scattered hyperplasia bile ducts were positive for cytokeratin 8 and cytokeratin 18.CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of IHE are non-specific.There is no significant correlation between histological type and prognosis.The clinicopathologic features of IHE in Chinese patients may provide a clue to further evidence-based studies.

Basaloid squamous carcinoma of esophagus:a clinicopathological,immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study of sixteen cases

AIM To further clarify the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic features, and prognostic aspect of basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC), a rare esophageal carcinoma.METHODS We reviewed 763 documented cases of esophageal malignancies from year (1977-1996) from our hospital, and discovered 16 (2.1%) cases of BSC. The clinicopathological features of these cases were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry (S-P method), histochemical stains, and electron microscopy were used to further characterize the neoplasm.RESULTS The tumors were classified into stages Ⅰ (n=1), ⅡA (n=6), ⅡB (n=2), Ⅲ (n=5), and Ⅳ (n=2) according to the criteria of the UICC TNM classification system of malignant tumors (1987). Most neoplasms were located in the mid third of the esophagus. Grossly, they had a similar appearance of conventional esophageal carcinoma, but showed a typical cytoarchitectural pattern of BSC histologically. The most important histologic feature of this tumor is carcinoma with a basaloid pattern, intimately associated with squamous cell carcinoma, dysplasia, or focal squamous differentiation. The basaloid cells were round to oval in shape with scant cytoplasm, arranged mainly in the form of solid, smooth-contoured lobules with peripheral palisading. A panel of immunostains were used for the basaloid component of the tumor with the following results: CK(Pan) 14/16 (+); EMA 16/16 (+); Vimentin 4/16 (+); S-100 protein 7/16 (+). CEA and smooth muscle actin were negative. Electron microscopy (EM) revealed that the basaloid cells were poorly differentiated, with a few desmosomes and fibrils, and numerous free and polyribosome. Of the 11 patients with adequate follow-up 8 died within 2 years, with an average survival time of 16.2 months. No stage Ⅱ, Ⅲ or Ⅳ cases survived beyond 5 years. The one-year survival rate was 60% and two-year 20%.CONCLUSION The BSC of esophagus is a distinct clinicopathological entity with poor prognosis. The cellular differentiation and biologic behavior of esophageal BSC were assumed to occupy a station intermediate between that of conventional squamous cell carcinoma and small undifferentiated cell carcinoma.

Classification of gastric neuroendocrine tumors and its clinicopathologic significance

AIMS To study the pathologic classification of gastric neuroendocrine tumors and its clinicopathologic significance. METHODS Paraffin embedded sections of 52 gastric neuroendocrine tumors including 42 carcinoid tumors, and 10 cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma from 326 patients who underwent resection of stomach carcinomas were studied by immunohistochemical methods including 10 endocrine markers or hormones antibodies and endocrine cells in gastric neuroendocrine tumors and extratumoral mucosa were observed under electromicroscope. RESULTS The 52 gastric neuroendocrine tumors were divided into three types: ① Gastrin dependent type of carcinoid (26 cases) accompanied by chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and tumor extension limited to the mucosa or submucosa complicated with hypergastrinemia and G cell hyperplasia. This type was consistently preceded by and associated with generalized proliferation of endocrine cells in the extratomoral fundic mucosa. ② Non gastrin dependent type of carcinoids (16 cases) associated with neither CAG nor hypergastrinemia. This type was more aggressive; and ③ Neuroendocrie carcinomas (10 cases), which are highly aggressive tumors. CONCLUSIONS A correct identification of different types of gastric endocrine tumors has major implications for the treatment and prognosis of the patients.

Relationship between expression of laminin and pathological features in human colorectal carcinoma

AIM To study the expression and significance of laminin in human colorectal carcinoma. METHODS Using the monoclonal antibody to laminin and streptavidin peroxidase immunohistochemical method, the expression of laminin in 63 cases of human colorectal carcinoma tissues was determined. RESULTS In normal large intestinal mucosa adjacent to carcinoma, laminin was largely restricted to basement membrane in continuous linear pattern. In contrast, human colorectal carcinomas exhibited a progressive loss of an intact basement membrane that was correlated with decreasing differentiation degree. Well and moderately differentiated tumors exhibited a thin basement membrane with intermittent disruptions, and poorly differentiated tumors exhibited no areas of intact basement membrane. An association was found between lack of basement membrane laminin immunohistochemical staining in colorectal carcinoma and poorly differentiated tumor ( P <0 01) . CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical staining for laminin could provide a very useful index for the determination of the differentiation degree of colorectal carcinoma.

Risk of second primary cancers after testicular cancer in East and West Germany： a focus on contralateral testicular cancers

Testicular cancer survival rates improved dramatically after cisplatin-based therapy was introduced in the 1970s. However, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are potentially carcinogenic. The purpose of this study was to estimate the risk of developing second primary cancers including the risk associated with primary histologic type （seminoma and non-seminoma） among testicular cancer survivors in Germany. We identified 16 990 and 1401 cases of testicular cancer in population-based cancer registries of East Germany （1961-1989 and 1996-2008） and Saarland （a federal state in West Germany; 1970-2008）, respectively. We estimated the risk of a second primary cancer using standardized incidence ratios （SIRs） with 95% confidence intervals （95% Cls）. To determine trends, we plotted model-based estimated annual SIRs. In East Germany, a total of 301 second primary cancers of any location were observed between 1961 and 1989 （SIR： 1.9; 95% Ch 1.7-2.1）, and 159 cancers （any location） were observed between 1996 and 2008 （SIR： 1.7; 95% Ch 1.4-2.0）. The SIRs for contralateral testicular cancer were increased in the registries with a range from 6.0 in Saarland to 13.9 in East Germany. The SIR for seminoma, in particular, was higher in East Germany compared to the other registries. We observed constant trends in the model-based SIRs for contralateral testicular cancers. The majority of reported SIRs of other cancer sites including histology-specific risks showed low precisions of estimated effects, likely due to small sample sizes. Testicular cancer patients are at increased risk especially for cancers of the contralateral testis and should receive intensive follow-ups.