Molecular Characterization of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (Gist) and Contribution of Immunohistochemistry in Congolese from Kinshasa

Introduction: The differentiation of digestive tumors very often requires the use of techniques currently not widely in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as immunohistochemistry. This is perfectly verified for GISTs whose precise, or at least highly certain, diagnosis can only be made using immunohistochemical markers. This underuse of these techniques due to lack of equipment and human skills explains the limited epidemiological data available to date, thus leading to untargeted and too often late treatment of patients. Research question: What contribution can immunohistochemical markers make to the diagnosis of digestive tract tumours? Objective: Discuss the contribution of immunohistochemical markers in the diagnosis of GIST and provide basic data on the epidemiology of these nosological entities in Kinshasa. Methodology: This was a retrospective study carried out at the LEBOMA private anatomy and pathological cytology centre. The main inclusion criterion was any digestive tract block or slide whose diagnosis of GIST had been requalified after review by at least 2 pathologists. An immuhistochemical study was performed using an automated technique (with a Ventana XT machine) using a panel of antibodies: CD-117 and DOG-1 which are listed in the literature as strongly correlated with the occurrence of GIST, all slides were made at Hj Hospital using an OLYMPUS BX41 co-observation microscope. Results: Of 601 cases of digestive tumors recorded during the concerned period, 32 (5.32%) concerned GIST. This prevalence was confirmed by our immunohistochemical results where the expression of CD117 and that of DOG-1 were positive in 90.6% and 100% of cases which prevalence is high compared with the worldwide prevalence according to the literature, respectively. The distribution of the patients concerned was made with a sex ratio of 1.6 women/men with a median age of 53 years. Most cases (81%) had a gastric location and were fusiform GISTs. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours, although rare and underestimated, account for 5.32% of cases in the DRC. This is a considerable and high prevalence compared with the world average. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been carried out on these aspects in the DRC, which explains the importance of this study. The results of this research demonstrated the contribution of these 2 markers as specific and effective biomarkers for optimal and differential diagnosis in GIST. In view of the above, it is therefore more than necessary to popularise the use of these biomarkers in order to contribute effectively to improving the overall management of gastrointestinal tumours by improving their identification.

Influence of Socioeconomic Profile on Uptake of Immunohistochemistry Services among Women with Breast Cancer Attending Tertiary Health Facilities

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in women worldwide. It can be stratified by histological and immunopathological analysis as well as by molecular subtypes. Socioeconomic and cultural-mediated factors contribute to breast cancer heterogeneity and overall survivability. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of socioeconomic profile on the uptake of immunohistochemistry (IHC) services among women with breast cancer attending tertiary health facilities in Imo State. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among women with breast cancer in Imo State. The instrument for data collection used was a structured questionnaire constructed in line with the objectives of the study. A total of 121 respondents were selected randomly from a target study population of 891 using a systematic sampling technique. The software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the 121 respondents in this study was 45.2 ± 0.7 years. Age and education levels of the respondents were found to significantly influence the utilization of IHC services (P Conclusion: In our study, the consumption of IHC services was influenced significantly by the respondents’ age and level of education. Consequently, public health awareness programmes centred on the importance of IHC services in the management of breast cancer should be encouraged, so as to reach the less educationally endowed and older women in order to save more lives.

Influence of Cues to Action towards Uptake of Immunohistochemistry Services among Women with Breast Cancer Attending Tertiary Health Facilities

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, making it a significant global public health issue. Although developed countries have a higher incidence of breast cancer, developing countries like Nigeria have a low incidence rate but higher rates of morbidity and mortality from the disease. Objective: This study explored how cues to action influenced the use of immunohistochemistry by women in Imo State and how many of them used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to diagnose their condition. Methodology: We used a descriptive study methodology for the investigation, and 121 participants were chosen at random from the 891 total population. The respondents were chosen through a systematic sampling procedure. Structured questionnaire was used as the data collection tool, and the statistical software for social science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Results: The mean age of the 121 participants in the study was 45.2 ± 0.7 years. The study found that awareness of IHC services is a significant influencing factor for the uptake and health personnel is the major source of awareness of IHC services. Cues to action particularly from health workers, as well as knowledge of any victim of breast cancer and user of IHC services, also significantly influenced uptake of the IHC services (P Conclusion: In our study, utilization of IHC services was also impacted by cues to action, particularly from healthcare professionals, as well as awareness of any breast cancer victims and those who used IHC services thus cues to action is a major predicator of immunohistochemistry uptake among women with breast cancer.

Myelin histology:a key tool in nervous system research

The myelin sheath is a lipoprotein-rich,multilayered structure capable of increasing conduction velocity in central and peripheral myelinated nerve fibers.Due to the complex structure and composition of myelin,various histological techniques have been developed over the centuries to evaluate myelin under normal,pathological or experimental conditions.Today,methods to assess myelin integrity or content are key tools in both clinical diagnosis and neuroscience research.In this review,we provide an updated summary of the composition and structure of the myelin sheath and discuss some histological procedures,from tissue fixation and processing techniques to the most used and practical myelin histological staining methods.Considering the lipoprotein nature of myelin,the main features and technical details of the different available methods that can be used to evaluate the lipid or protein components of myelin are described,as well as the precise ultrastructural techniques.

Heterogeneity of mature oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system

Mature oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that are crucial for the insulation of axons and efficient signal transmission in the central nervous system.Recent evidence has challenged the classical view of the functionally static mature oligodendrocyte and revealed a gamut of dynamic functions such as the ability to modulate neuronal circuitry and provide metabolic support to axons.Despite the recognition of potential heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocyte function,a comprehensive summary of mature oligodendrocyte diversity is lacking.We delve into early 20th-century studies by Robertson and Río-Hortega that laid the foundation for the modern identification of regional and morphological heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocytes.Indeed,recent morphologic and functional studies call into question the long-assumed homogeneity of mature oligodendrocyte function through the identification of distinct subtypes with varying myelination preferences.Furthermore,modern molecular investigations,employing techniques such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing,consistently unveil at least six mature oligodendrocyte subpopulations in the human central nervous system that are highly transcriptomically diverse and vary with central nervous system region.Age and disease related mature oligodendrocyte variation denotes the impact of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer's disease,and psychiatric disorders.Nevertheless,caution is warranted when subclassifying mature oligodendrocytes because of the simplification needed to make conclusions about cell identity from temporally confined investigations.Future studies leveraging advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell proteomics promise a more nuanced understanding of mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity.Such research avenues that precisely evaluate mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity with care to understand the mitigating influence of species,sex,central nervous system region,age,and disease,hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting varied central nervous system pathology.

Hepatic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and in patients with fatal COVID-19

BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),characterised by hepatic lipid accumulation,causes inflammation and oxidative stress accompanied by cell damage and fibrosis.Liver injury(LI)is also frequently reported in patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),while preexisting MASLD increases the risk of LI and the development of COVID-19-associated cholangiopathy.Mechanisms of injury at the cellular level remain unclear,but it may be significant that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)which causes COVID-19,uses angiotensin-converting expression enzyme 2(ACE2),a key regulator of the‘anti-inflammatory’arm of the renin-angiotensin system,for viral attachment and host cell invasion.AIM To determine if hepatic ACE2 levels are altered during progression of MASLD and in patients who died with severe COVID-19.METHODS ACE2 protein levels and localisation,and histological fibrosis and lipid droplet accumulation as markers of MASLD were determined in formalin-fixed liver tissue sections across the MASLD pathological spectrum(isolated hepatocellular steatosis,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH)+/-fibrosis,end-stage cirrhosis)and in post-mortem tissues from patients who had died with severe COVID-19,using ACE2 immunohistochemistry and haematoxylin and eosin and picrosirius red staining of total collagen and lipid droplet areas,followed by quantification using machine learning-based image pixel classifiers.RESULTS ACE2 staining is primarily intracellular and concentrated in the cytoplasm of centrilobular hepatocytes and apical membranes of bile duct cholangiocytes.Strikingly,ACE2 protein levels are elevated in non-fibrotic MASH compared to healthy controls but not in the progression to MASH with fibrosis and in cirrhosis.ACE2 protein levels and histological fibrosis are not associated,but ACE2 and liver lipid droplet content are significantly correlated across the MASLD spectrum.Hepatic ACE2 levels are also increased in COVID-19 patients,especially those showing evidence of LI,but are not correlated with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the liver.However,there is a clear association between the hepatic lipid droplet content and the presence of the virus,suggesting a possible functional link.CONCLUSION Hepatic ACE2 levels were elevated in nonfibrotic MASH and COVID-19 patients with LI,while lipid accumulation may promote intra-hepatic SARS-CoV-2 replication,accelerating MASLD progression and COVID-19-mediated liver damage.

Correlation of tumor-associated macrophage density and proportion of M2 subtypes with the pathological stage of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a prevalent global malignancy with complex prognostic factors.Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)have shown paradoxical associations with CRC survival,particularly concerning the M2 subset.AIM We aimed to establish a simplified protocol for quantifying M2-like TAMs and explore their correlation with clinicopathological factors.METHODS A cross-sectional study included histopathological assessment of paraffinembedded tissue blocks obtained from 43 CRC patients.Using CD68 and CD163 immunohistochemistry,we quantified TAMs in tumor stroma and front,focusing on M2 proportion.Demographic,histopathological,and clinical parameters were collected.RESULTS TAM density was significantly higher at the tumor front,with the M2 proportion three times greater in both zones.The tumor front had a higher M2 proportion,which correlated significantly with advanced tumor stage(P=0.04),pathological nodal involvement(P=0.04),and lymphovascular invasion(LVI,P=0.01).However,no significant association was found between the M2 proportion in the tumor stroma and clinicopathological factors.CONCLUSION Our study introduces a simplified protocol for quantifying M2-like TAMs in CRC tissue samples.We demonstrated a significant correlation between an increased M2 proportion at the tumor front and advanced tumor stage,nodal involvement,and LVI.This suggests that M2-like TAMs might serve as potential indicators of disease progression in CRC,warranting further investigation and potential clinical application.

Assessment of programmed death-ligand 1 expression in primary tumors and paired lymph node metastases of gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Anti-programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1(PD-1/PD-L1)immuno-therapy has demonstrated promising results on gastric cancer(GC).However,PD-L1 can express differently between metastatic sites and primary tumors(PT).AIM To compare PD-L1 status in PT and matched lymph node metastases(LNM)of GC patients and to determine the correlation between the PD-L1 status and clinicopathological characteristics.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 284 GC patients who underwent D2-gastrectomy.PD-L1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry(clone SP142)using the com-bined positive score.All PD-L1+PT staged as pN+were also tested for PD-L1 expression in their LNM.PD-L1(-)GC with pN+served as the comparison group.RESULTS Among 284 GC patients included,45 had PD-L1+PT and 24 of them had pN+.For comparison,44 PD-L1(-)cases with pN+were included(sample loss of 4 cases).Of the PD-L1+PT,54.2%(13/24 cases)were also PD-L1+in the LNM.Regarding PD-L1(-)PT,9.1%(4/44)had PD-L1+in the LNM.The agreement between PT and LNM had a kappa value of 0.483.Larger tumor size and moderate/severe peritumoral inflammatory response were associated with PD-L1 positivity in both sites.There was no statistical difference in overall survival for PT and LNM according to the PD-L1 status(P=0.166 and P=0.837,respectively).CONCLUSION Intra-patient heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression was observed between the PT and matched LNM.This disagreement in PD-L1 status may emphasize the importance of considering different tumor sites for analyses to select patients for immunotherapy.

Primary anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive large B-cell lymphoma of the left bulbar conjunctiva: A case report

BACKGROUND Anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)-positive large B-cell lymphoma(LBCL)is an aggressive and rare variant of diffuse LBCL.Herein,we report an uncommon case of stage IE extranodal ALK-positive LBCL initially originating in the bulbar con-junctiva.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman presented with a mass in the left bulbar conjunctiva that had persisted for six months,accompanied by swelling and pain that had per-sisted for 3 d.Eye examination revealed an 8 mm slightly elevated pink mass in the lower conjunctival sac of the left eye.Microscopically,the tumor was com-posed of large immunoblastic and plasmablastic large lymphoid cells with scattered anaplastic or multinucleated large cells.Immunophenotypically,the neoplastic cells were positive for ALK,CD10,CD138,Kappa,MUM1,BOB.1,OCT-2,CD4,CD45,EMA,CD79a,CD38,and AE1/AE3,and negative for CD20,PAX5,Lambda,BCL6,CD30 and all other T-cell antigens.The results of gene rearrangement tests showed monoclonal IGH/IGK/IGL and TCRD rearran-gements.Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies did not reveal any BCL2,BCL6 or MYC rearrangements.Furthermore,Epstein-Barr virus was not detected by in situ hybridization in the lesions.Based on the histopathological and imaging examinations,the neoplasm was classified as stage IE ALK-positive LBCL.No further treatments were administered.At the 6,15,and 21 mo postoperative follow-up visits,the patient was in good condition,without obvious discomfort.This case represents the first example of primary extranodal ALK-positive LBCL presenting as a bulbar conjunctival mass,which is extremely rare and shares morphological and immunohistochemical features with a variety of other neo-plasms that can result in misdiagnosis.CONCLUSION Awareness of the condition presented in this case report is necessary for early and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the common bile duct:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma(UPS)is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with a poor prognosis.It mainly occurs in the extremities,trunk,head and neck,and retroperitoneum regions.Owing to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and imaging features,UPS diagnosis mainly depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations for exclusive diagnosis.Here we report an extremely rare case of high-grade UPS in the common bile duct(CBD).There are limited available data on such cases.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our department with yellow eyes and urine accompanied by upper abdominal distending pain for 2 wk.Her laboratory data suggested significantly elevated hepatorenal function levels.The imaging data revealed calculous cholecystitis,intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilation with extrahepatic bile duct calculi,and a space-occupying lesion at the distal CBD.After endoscopic biliary stenting and symptomatic support therapy,CBD exploration and biopsy were performed.The frozen section indicated malignant spindle cell tumor of the CBD mass,and further radical pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed.Finally,the neoplasm was diagnosed as a high-grade UPS combined with the light-microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical results.CONCLUSION This extremely rare case highlighted the need for increasing physicians'vigilance,reducing the odds of misdiagnosis,and providing appropriate treatment strategies.

Eccrine porocarcinoma in the tempus of an elderly woman:A case report

BACKGROUND Eccrine porocarcinoma(EPC)is a rare skin tumor that mainly affects the elderly population.Tumors often present with slow growth and a good prognosis.EPCs are usually distinguished from other skin tumors using histopathology and immunohistochemistry.However,surgical management alone may be inadequate if the tumor has metastasized.However,currently,surgical resection is the most commonly used treatment modality.CASE SUMMARY A seventy-four-year-old woman presented with a slow-growing nodule in her left temporal area,with no obvious itching or pain,for more than four months.Histopathological examination showed small columnar and short spindle-shaped cells;thus,basal cell carcinoma was suspected.However,immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of cytokeratin 5/6,p63 protein,p16 protein,and Ki-67 antigen(40%),and EPC was taken into consideration.The skin biopsy was repeated,and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed ductal differentiation in some cells.Finally,the patient was diagnosed with EPC,and Mohs micrographic surgery was performed.We adapted follow-up visits in a year and not found any recurrence of nodules.CONCLUSION This case report emphasizes the diagnosis and differentiation of EPC.

Pathological diagnosis and immunohistochemical analysis of giant retrosternal goiter in the elderly: A case report

BACKGROUND Elderly giant retrosternal thyroid goiter is a rare yet significant medical condition,often presenting clinical symptoms that can be confused with other diseases,posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.This study aims to delve into the characteristics and potential mechanisms of this ailment through pathological diagnosis and immunohistochemical analysis,providing clinicians with more precise diagnostic and treatment strategies.A 77-year-old male,was admitted to hospital with the chief complaint of finding a goiter in the semilunar month during physical examination,accompanied by dyspnea.Locally protruding into the superior mediastinum,the adjacent structure was compressed,the trachea was compressed to the right,and the local lumen was slightly narrowed.The patient was diagnosed with giant retrosternal goiter.Considering dyspnea caused by trachea compression,our department planned to perform giant retrosternal thyroidectomy.Immunohistochemical results:Tg(+),TTF-1(+),Calcitonin(CT)(I),Ki-67(+,about 20%),CD34(-).Retrosternal goiter means that more than 50%of the volume of the thyroid gland is below the upper margin of the sternum.As retrosternal goiter disease is a relatively rare disease,once the disease is diagnosed,it should be timely surgical treatment,and the treatment is more difficult,the need for professional medical team for comprehensive treatment.CONCLUSION The imaging manifestations of giant retrosternal goiter are atypical,histomorphology and immunohistochemistry can assist in its diagnosis.This article reviews the relevant literature of giant retrosternal goiter immunohisto-chemistry and shows that giant retrosternal goiter is positive for Tg,TTF-1,and Ki-67.

Myeloid sarcoma with maxillary gingival swell

BACKGROUND Myeloid sarcoma(MS),also referred to as granulocytic sarcoma or chloroma,is a rare type of extramedullary malignant tumor.MS comprises primitive granulocytic precursor cells that play a key role in the early stages of white blood cell development.Notably,the occurrence of this tumor in the gingiva is rare.CASE SUMMARY The present study reported the case of MS with gingival swelling in the maxillary region,with aleukemic presentation in a 32-year-old male patient.Following two courses of chemotherapy,computed tomography of the region demonstrated complete clearance of the tumor.At the 12-month follow-up appointment,the patient was in a stable condition with the absence of progression.The etiology,clinical features,diagnosis,and relevant treatment of MS are discussed in the present study.CONCLUSION Diagnosis of MS may be confirmed following histological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Long-term effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on the pancreas of female mouse offspring

BACKGROUND Prolonged fetal exposure to hyperglycemia may increase the risk of developing abnormal glucose metabolism and type-2 diabetes during childhood,adolescence,and adulthood;however,the mechanisms by which gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)predisposes offspring to metabolic disorders remain unknown.AIM To quantify the nerve axons,macrophages,and vasculature in the pancreas from adult offspring born from mouse dams with GDM.METHODS GDM was induced by i.p.administration of streptozotocin(STZ)in ICR mouse dams.At 12 wk old,fasting blood glucose levels were determined in offspring.At 15 wk old,female offspring born from dams with and without GDM were sacrificed and pancreata were processed for immunohistochemistry.We quantified the density of sensory[calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)]and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)axons,blood vessels(endomucin),and macro-phages(CD68)in the splenic pancreas using confocal microscopy.RESULTS Offspring mice born from STZ-treated dams had similar body weight and blood glucose values compared to offspring born from vehicle-treated dams.However,the density of CGRP+and TH+axons,endomucin+blood vessels,and CD68+macrophages in the exocrine pancreas was significantly greater in offspring from mothers with GDM vs control offspring.Likewise,the microvasculature in the islets was significantly greater,but not the number of macrophages within the islets of offspring born from dams with GDM compared to control mice.CONCLUSION GDM induces neuronal,vascular,and inflammatory changes in the pancreas of adult progeny,which may partially explain the higher propensity for offspring of mothers with GDM to develop metabolic diseases.

Clinical review and literature analysis of hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma in alcoholic cirrhosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma(HEA)has a low incidence and both clinical manifestations and imaging lack specificity.Thus,it is easy to misdiagnose HEA as other tumors of the liver,especially in the presence of liver diseases such as hepatitis cirrhosis.This article reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with HEA and alcoholic cirrhosis,and analyzed the literature,in order to improve the understanding of this disease.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old male patient with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted due to the discovery of a space-occupying lesion in the liver.Based on the patient’s history,laboratory examinations,and imaging examinations,a malignant liver tumor was considered and laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed.Postoperative pathology showed HEA.During outpatient follow-up,the patient showed no sign of recurrence.CONCLUSION HEA is difficult to make a definite diagnosis before surgery.HEA has the poten-tial for malignant degeneration.If conditions permit,surgical treatment is recom-mended.

Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder:A case report

BACKGROUND Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma(LCNEC)of the bladder is a rare nonurothelial tumor of the bladder.The treatment of LCNEC of the bladder is different from that of urothelial carcinoma(UC);therefore,early and accurate diagnosis is particularly important.As LCNEC of the bladder is rare and its clinical symptoms and radiographic features are similar to those of urothelial tumors,the clinical diagnosis of the disease remains challenging.CASE SUMMARY We report a 72-year-old female patient who presented with gross hematuria for 3 mo.A solitary tumor located in the anterior wall of the bladder was found by cystoscopy.Pathological examination after biopsy suggested UC of the bladder in the absence of immunohistochemical assessment.The patient underwent partial cystectomy and was finally diagnosed with LCNEC(pT2bN0M0)based on the results of postoperative immunohistochemical examination.During the 10-mo follow-up,no signs of tumor recurrence or metastasis were found.CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical examination is essential for diagnosing LCNEC of the bladder.Accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment in the early stage of the disease are crucial for improving the prognosis.

Extra Renal Rhabdoid Tumor: A Rare Cause of Congenital Soft Tissue Tumor

Rhabdoid tumors (RTs) are a well-defined entity in the kidney or central nervous system of infants or children. However, soft-tissue involvement is uncommon. It’s an exceptional neonatal tumor of soft tissue. The imaging characteristics of this tumor are not specific. Biopsy allows diagnosis;the histomorphological characteristics of rhabdoid tumors, their immunoreactivity to epithelial markers and vimentin, and the INI-1 loss are important tools for diagnosis. RT tumors are aggressive and have a rapidly fatal clinical course in most cases. Despite multidisciplinary therapy, the survival rate is very low. We report a rare case occurring in a male neonate who presents at birth with a voluminous right axillary mass. A CT scan showed a well-limited tumor mass with lobulated contours. An ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed on day 8, showing the morphology and immunoprofile of RT. The mass showed rapid growth. The child was admitted for respiratory distress at 3 weeks. A thoraco-abdominal CT showed an increase in the size of the mass with the appearance of multiple lymph nodes and pleural, hepatic, and renal metastases. The child died two days later.

Immunohistochemical Profile of Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: The management of breast cancer increasingly requires molecular classification based on immunohistochemistry. As breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of multiple molecular alterations that give each tumour its own phenotype and evolutionary potential, immunohistochemistry, as a complementary technique to morphological examination, determines the status of hormone receptors and on protein in tumour cells, which are predictive and prognostic markers of breast cancer. This technique is often little used in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as this study shows. The under-use of this technique due to a lack of equipment and/or human skills explains the paucity of epidemiological data available to date. Objective: Determine the immunohistochemical profile of breast cancer. Methodology: This is a retrospective study carried out in the Anapath Department of the NGANDA Hospital from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, i.e. a 3-year period. Result: A total of 736 patients were registered in the hospitalization register of the Oncology Department of CH NGANDA for the period corresponding to the present study. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 110 patients, representing 14.9% of all cases. The mean age of the patients was 58.4 ± 8.2 years, with extremes ranging from 30 to 76 years. Breast nodules were the most common reason for diagnosis in 56.3% of cases, with Luminal A dominating in 17.3%. Conclusion: Breast cancer is a major public health problem. Worldwide, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, because of the delay in consulting our patients and the weakness of systematic screening, patients are seen at an advanced stage of the disease. Treatment is multidisciplinary, involving surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy (including targeted therapies) and hormone therapy. Patient awareness and screening campaigns will contribute to a considerable reduction in the delay in diagnosis and the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer.

Pleomorphic Nasopharyngeal Liposarcoma: An Aggressive Tumor

Nasopharyngeal liposarcoma is an extremely rare clinical entity. Less than ten cases have been reported in the literature. It mainly occurs in humans. The non-specificity of the clinical and radiological signs explains the difficulty of the diagnosis confirmed by anatomopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Its pathogenesis remains obscure and often correlates with genetic abnormalities. Pleomorphic liposarcoma is its rarest subtype, remarkable for its aggressiveness and rapidity of growth. Complete surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. We report a case of liposarcoma whose diagnosis was made during histological examination coupled with immunohistochemistry. .

Expression of CD151 in Gastric Cancer Tissues and Its Clinical Significance

Objective:To explore the expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues and its clinical significance.Methods:Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues.The relationship between CD151 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer was analyzed.Results:The expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissues(P<0.05).It was associated with the degree of differentiation,depth of invasion,lymph node metastasis,and TNM staging of gastric cancer.The survival time of patients with high CD151 expression was significantly shorter than that of those with low expression(P<0.05).Conclusion:High expression of CD151 in gastric cancer tissues is correlated with the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer and can serve as an indicator for evaluating the prognosis of gastric cancer.