How Effective Is Mammography as a Screening Tool?

ΕGFR/ERβ-Mediated Cell Morphology and Invasion Capacity Are Associated with Matrix Culture Substrates in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer accounts for almost one in four cancer diagnoses in women. Studies in breast cancer patients have identified several molecular markers, indicators of aggressiveness, which help toward more individual therapeutic approaches. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression is associated with increased metastatic potential and worst survival rates. Specifically, abnormal EGFR activation leads to altered matrix metalloproteinases' (MMPs) expression and, hence, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, resulting in induced migration and invasion. The use of matrix substrates for cell culture gives the opportunity to mimic the natural growth conditions of the cells and their microenvironment, as well as cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of EGFR inhibition, estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and different matrix substrates [type I collagen and fibronectin (FN)] on the functional properties, expression of MMPs and cell morphology of ERβ-positive TNBC cells and shERβ ones. Our results highlight EGFR as a crucial regulator of the expression and activity levels of MMPs, while ERβ emerges as a mediator of MMP7 and MT1-MMP expression. In addition, the EGFR/ERβ axis impacts the adhesion and invasion potential of breast cancer cells on collagen type I. Images obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) from cultures on the different matrix substrates revealed novel observations regarding various structures of breast cancer cells (filopodia, extravesicles, tunneling nanotubes, etc.). Moreover, the significant contribution of EGFR and ERβ in the morphological characteristics of these cells is also demonstrated, hence highlighting the possibility of dual pharmacological targeting.

Can Breast Self-examination and Clinical Breast Examination Along With Increasing Breast Awareness Facilitate Earlier Detection of Breast Cancer in Populations With Advanced Stages at Diagnosis?

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women worldwide. Early detection is central to improving disease outcomes. Three main screening methods - mammography, breast self-examination (BSE), and clinical breast examination (CBE) - have been developed and tested in Western nations. There is ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of BSE and CBE in terms of mortality reduction, and a number of international organizations no longer recommend them as screening methods. In technically less developed countries, however, where women are usually diagnosed with breast cancer at advanced stages and younger ages, the benefits of BSE and CBE might outweigh the harm and facilitate early detection of breast cancer. This paper reviews the history of BSE and CBE and discusses their value as early detection methods. It can contribute to informed decision-making by health policy-makers and clinicians who are involved in breast cancer screening in the developing world to improve women's well-being.