Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate is an aggressive tumor with frequent loss of PTEN expression and overexpression of EGFR

Adenoid cystic/basal-cell carcinoma of the prostate following high-grade urothelial bladder cancer: a case report

Adenoid cystic/Basal-cell carcinoma (ACC/BCC) of the prostate is a rare histological type exhibiting various morphological characteristics and an optimal treatment has not yet been established. We report the case of a 63-year-old patient who complained of incomplete bladder emptying and recurrent urinary infection six months after transurethral resection of a high-grade urothelial bladder tumor. The clinical features, digital rectal examination, serum PSA levels, and multiparametric MRI did not refer to any suspicious prostatic lesions and cystoscopy revealed bladder neck hypertrophy, and yellowish zones in the prostatic urethra. Transurethral resection was performed due to these findings and histopathological analysis showed poorly differentiated ACC/BCC of the prostate. Even though there is no proven mutual correlation between ACC/BCC and urothelial bladder cancer, the appearance of obstructive urinary symptoms, bladder-neck hypertrophy, and macroscopic changes in prostatic urethra should be reconsidered for transurethral resection biopsy considering the possibility of ACC/BCC.

Cystic Pelvic Masses in Men: A Presentation of Uncommon Cases and a Literature Review

Unclear cystic masses in the pelvis in male patients are a rare situation and could be of benign or malignant origin. The underlying diseases demand for specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We present a case series of 3 male patients with different clinical symptoms (perineal pain, urinary retention and a large scrotal cyst) related to cystic lesions in the pelvic region. On all patients initial histopathological workup was unclear. All patients underwent surgery with complete resection of the tumor which revealed a broad spectrum of histopathological findings: unusual form of cystic adenocarcinoma of the prostate, malignant transformation of a dysontogenetic cyst, and finally a very rare diagnosis of a malignant tumor of the Cowper gland. This case series and literature review provide clues for a possible diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the case of unclear pelvic cystic masses and could support urologists during the therapy selection in the future.

Basal epithelial cells in prostate development, tumorigenesis, and cancer progression

The prostate epithelium is composed of two predominant cell populations: luminal and basal epithelial cells. Luminal cells have a secretory function that supports male fertility while basal cells function in regeneration and maintenance of epithelial tissue. Recent studies in humans and mice have expanded our knowledge of the role and regulation of luminal and basal cells in prostate organogenesis, development, and homeostasis. The insights from healthy prostate biology can inform studies focused on the origins of prostate cancer, progression of the disease, and development of resistance to targeted hormonal therapies. In this review, we discuss a critical role for basal cells in the development and maintenance of healthy prostate tissue. Additionally, we provide evidence supporting a role for basal cells in oncogenesis and therapeutic resistance mechanisms of prostate cancer. Finally, we describe basal cell regulators that may promote lineage plasticity and basal cell identity in prostate cancers that have developed therapeutic resistance. These regulators could serve as therapeutic targets to inhibit or delay resistance and thereby improve outcomes for prostate cancer patients.

Transcriptome Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells to Predict Clinical Outcomes in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

The clinical utility of circulating tumor cells (CTC) as a non-invasive multipurpose biomarker is broadly recognized. The earliest methods for enriching CTCs from whole blood rely on antibody-based positive selection. The prognostic utility of CTC enumeration using positive selection with the FDA-approved CellSearch^TM system has been demonstrated in numerous studies. The capture of cells with specific protein phenotypes does not fully represent cancer heterogeneity and therefore does not realize the prognostic potential of CTC liquid biopsies. To avoid this selection bias, CTC enrichment based on size and deformability may provide better fidelity, i.e., facilitate the characterization of CTCs with any phenotype. In this study, the recently FDA-approved Parsortix^® technology was used to enrich CTCs from prostate cancer (PCa) patients for transcriptome analysis using HyCEAD^TM technology. A tailored PCa gene panel allowed us to stratify metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients with clinical outcomes. In addition, our findings suggest that targeted CTC transcriptome profiling may be predictive of therapy response.

Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate with squamous metaplasia: A case report and literature review

Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate (BCCP) is a rare tumor with a total incidence of 140 cases to date. However, BCCP with squamous metaplasia has not been reported as of date. In this paper, we report the first case of BCCP with squamous metaplasia. The patient was hospitalized for progressive dyspareunia and had been treated for recurrent urinary retention four times in 5 years. Rectal examination showed that the prostate was medium in texture with no palpable nodules. The levels of total prostate specific antigen (tPSA), free prostate specific antigen (fPSA), and fPSA/tPSA (f/t) ratio were 1.29 ng/mL, 0.4 ng/mL, and 0.31, respectively. Ultrasound of the urinary tract showed that the prostate gland was 51 mm*40 mm*38 mm in size. We performed transurethral resection of the prostate. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma with focal squamous differentiation, and immunohistochemical staining was positive for P63 and 34βE12. A laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was performed 45 days after the first surgery and the postoperative pathology showed a small amount of residual tumor with negative margins and no involvement of the seminal vesicles and vas deferens. The patient was followed up for 50 months and was doing well by the end of our study. We describe the clinical symptoms, pathological features, treatment, and prognosis of patients with BCCP with squamous metaplasia. The relevant published literature is also briefly reviewed.

WHO Classification of Tumours fifth edition: evolving issues in the classification, diagnosis, and prognostication of prostate cancer

The fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Urinary and Male Genital Systems encompasses several updates to the classification and diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma as well as incorporating advancements in the assessment of its prognosis, including recent grading modifications. Some of the salient aspects include: (1) recognition that prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)-like carcinoma is not synonymous with a pattern of ductal carcinoma, but better classified as a subtype of acinar adenocarcinoma; (2) a specific section on treatment-related neuroendocrine prostatic carcinoma in view of the tight correlation between androgen deprivation therapy and the development of prostatic carcinoma with neuroendocrine morphology, and the emerging data on lineage plasticity; (3) a terminology change of basal cell carcinoma to "adenoid cystic (basal cell) cell carcinoma" given the presence of an underlying MYB::NFIB gene fusion in many cases; (4) discussion of the current issues in the grading of acinar adenocarcinoma and the prognostic significance of cribriform growth patterns; and (5) more detailed coverage of intraductal carcinoma of prostate (IDC-P) reflecting our increased knowledge of this entity, while recommending the descriptive term atypical intraductal proliferation (AIP) for lesions falling short of IDC-P but containing more atypia than typically seen in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). Lesions previously regarded as cribriform patterns of HGPIN are now included in the AIP category. This review discusses these developments, summarising the existing literature, as well as the emerging morphological and molecular data that underpins the classification and prognostication of prostatic carcinoma.

Histological patterns, subtypes and aspects of prostate cancer: different aspects, different outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The most common prostatic cancers (PCa) are acinary adenocarcinomas. Histological subtypes have been variably defined. The purpose of this review is to discuss unusual histological patterns and subtypes of acinar adenocarcinoma, as well as other types of PCa and their prognostic and therapeutic relevance.

RECENT FINDINGS

The new term 'subtype' for morphologically defined tumor entities replaced the term 'variant' in the new 2022 classification of the WHO to allow for clear terminological distinction from genetic variants. The 2022 WHO classification mentions prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)-like carcinoma, signet-cell-like adenocarcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma and pleomorphic-giant-cell adenocarcinoma of the prostate as true subtypes of acinary PCa. Other forms of acinary PCa are termed unusual histological patterns and include atrophic, foamy-cell, microcystic, pseudohyperplastic and mucinous patterns. Nonacinar forms of prostate cancer include other glandular PCa, the ductal adenocarcinoma and the treatment-associated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and nonglandular PCa, the adenosquamous carcinoma, the squamous cell carcinoma and the adenoid cystic (basal cell) carcinoma of the prostate.

SUMMARY

True subtypes of acinary PCa and other forms of glandular and nonglandular PCa show relevant differences in prognosis and treatment approach compared with classic acinary PCa. The relevance of unusual histological patterns mainly lies in their deceptive benign appearance and the need for pathologists to know about these entities for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate: a case report responding to the FGFR inhibitor pemigatinib and literature review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Due to the limited number of cases, there are no guidelines for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the prostate. This review combines an unpublished case report of a 55-year-old patient with BCC with an assessment of the latest literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

BCC of the prostate has previously been described in only approximately 140 cases. We describe the diagnostic process, including the uropathological and DNA-sequencing results, which allowed us to start an experimental treatment with pemigatinib. BCC of the prostate is associated with an aggressive biological and clinical behavior, such as recurrence and metastasis. Several immunohistochemical stainings are available to differentiate BCC from adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Based on pathology and results from next-generation sequencing (NGS), patients can be offered targeted therapies.

SUMMARY

With the aid of histological work-up and immunostaining, prostatic BCC can be accurately diagnosed. Our patient underwent radical prostatectomy and staged extended lymphadenectomy due to lymph node recurrence. The patient subsequently developed progressive disease and was treated with the FGFR-inhibitor pemigatinib. The patient's liver metastasis significantly responded. The present case confirms the possibility of aggressive behavior of prostatic BCC and highlights the importance of a thorough uropathological and molecular biological analysis with a precision medicine strategy.

Cribriform Patterned Lesions in the Prostate Gland with Emphasis on Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Significance

Simple Summary

A cribriform structure is defined as a continuous proliferation of cells with intermingled lumina. Various entities may have a cribriform morphology within the prostate gland, ranging from normal, to benign, to borderline and even to malignant lesions. This review summarizes the morphologic features of entities that have a cribriform morphology within the prostate gland, with an emphasis on their differential diagnosis, molecular profile and clinical significance. The basic aim is to assist the pathologist with challenging and controversial cases and inform the clinician on the clinical implications of cribriform morphology.

Abstract

Cribriform glandular formations are characterized by a continuous proliferation of cells with intermingled lumina and can constitute a major or minor part of physiologic (normal central zone glands), benign (clear cell cribriform hyperplasia and basal cell hyperplasia), premalignant (high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia), borderline (atypical intraductal cribriform proliferation) or clearly malignant (intraductal, acinar, ductal and basal cell carcinoma) lesions. Each displays a different clinical course and variability in clinical management and prognosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the morphological features, differential diagnosis, molecular profile and clinical significance of the cribriform-patterned entities of the prostate gland. Areas of controversy regarding their management, i.e., the grading of Intaductal Carcinoma, will also be discussed. Understanding the distinct nature of each cribriform lesion leads to the correct diagnosis and ensures accuracy in clinical decision-making, prognosis prediction and personalized risk stratification of patients.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma/Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate: Overview and Update on Rare Prostate Cancer Subtypes

Adenoid cystic carcinoma/basaloid cell carcinoma of the prostate (ACC/BCC) is a very rare variant of prostate cancer with uncertain behavior. Few cases are reported in the literature. Data on treatment options are scarce. The aim of our work was to retrospectively review the published reports. Thirty-three case reports or case series were analyzed (106 patients in total). Pathological features, management, and follow-up information were evaluated. Despite the relatively low level of evidence given the unavoidable lack of prospective trials for such a rare prostate tumor, the following considerations were made: prostate ACC/BCC is an aggressive tumor often presenting with locally advanced disease and incidental diagnosis occurs during transurethral resection of the prostate for urinary obstructive symptoms. Prostate-specific antigen was not a reliable marker for diagnosis nor follow-up. Adequate staging with Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) should be performed before treatment and during follow-up, while there is no evidence for the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Radical surgery with negative margins and possibly adjuvant radiotherapy appear to be the treatments of choice. The response to androgen deprivation therapy was poor. Currently, there is no evidence of the use of truly effective systemic therapies.

Prostatic basal cell carcinoma treated by chemoradiation with weekly cisplatine: case report and literature review

Background

Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate is a relatively rare entity. Their evolution is characterized by the frequency of local and/or distant relapses. Due to their rarity, the treatment is not consensual in the literature. We report here a case of Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate in a 40-year-old patient.

Case presentation

Our patient initially presented an obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms with a normal initial level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) test (3.5 ng/m). The transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was in favor of a prostatic basal cell carcinoma with its specific anatomopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. The prostatic MRI and thoraco-abdominal CT realized after the TURP revealed a tumoral lesion of the prostatic peripheral zone with extra-capsular extension combined with right seminal vesicle invasion and a suggestion of posterior bladder wall adherence. No evidence of visceral or nodal metastases at this point. Considering the tumor being locally advanced, a concurrent chemoradiotherapy with intensity modulated technique was indicated after a multidisciplinary meeting with a 70 Gy total target dose delivered in 35 fractions and weekly Cisplatin. A year and a half after, he developed a cerebellous metastases revealed by intracranial hypertension with no other visceral lesion and complete local remission with the disappearance of the lower urinary tract symptoms and the pain and the appearance of a prostatic atrophy. The PSA level was still on the upper limit of normal. He underwent metastasectomy, and the anatomopathological study was in favor of a cerebellous metastasis of the known BCC. The patient presented postoperatively paraparesis of lower limbs with balance problems for which he was placed in palliative care with indication of postoperative radiation therapy in case of improvement of his general condition. He did not recover and deceased three months later.

Conclusions

The prostatic basal cell carcinoma is a rare aggressive entity often non-evoked at the clinical or radiological stages because of its unspecific appearance. The diagnostic of these tumors is based on histological examination and a large immunohistochemistry panel. Given its scarity, very few data is available for locally advanced non-metastatic stages treated by radiation therapy. We assess here a good local response with concurrent chemoradiation therapy.

A Review Leveraging a Rare and Unusual Case of Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare nonacinar variant of prostatic carcinoma. In spite of prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma being one of the most common carcinomas in prostate, <100 prostatic BCC cases have been reported to date. Adenoid cystic/cribriform histology has been described in varying proportions to occur in prostatic BCC and is reported to be associated with aggressive behavior and high risk of metastasis. Herein, we present a case of prostatic BCC with adenoid cystic morphology, comprehensively describe its immunohistochemical and MYB/MYBL1 gene rearrangement findings, discuss its differential diagnosis, and review the literature of this rare entity.

An Unusual Case of Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare prostate cancer. Currently, a standard treatment regime for BCC of the prostate is lacking and most patients have a poor prognosis. We reported on a patient with BCC of the prostate whose cancer metastasized after undergoing a radical prostatectomy and whose prognosis improved after treatment with etoposide.

Case Presentation: A 62-year-old male with a history of seminoma was admitted complaining of intermittent gross hematuria for 1 month. Following a prostate biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with BCC of the prostate and received radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy. Initially, the patient's symptoms improved; however, 2 years later, a chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed lung nodules. The patient did not exhibit any symptoms of BCC of the prostate; however, pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining of the nodules confirmed metastatic BCC of the prostate. Chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin was well-tolerated but did not slow disease progression. Next-generation sequencing revealed mutations in the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM), SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily b-member 1 (SMARCB1), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) genes. The patient did not receive targeted therapy owing to financial limitations and instead, etoposide was administered. A 9-month follow-up chest CT scan showed an 80% reduction in existing lung nodules and no new nodules had developed.

Conclusion: Our patient, diagnosed with recurrent prostate BCC after receiving a radical prostatectomy, responded to treatment with etoposide. Radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy should remain first-line therapy; however, etoposide may be an alternative second-line therapy when other options are not available. Consensus regarding treatment plans, and the molecular mechanisms behind prostate BBC, must be elucidated.

Primary basal cell carcinoma of the prostate with concurrent adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Prostatic basal cell carcinoma is an extremely rare tumor, exhibiting various histopathological features and clinical spectrums of disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 69-year-old male presented to our department with 2 years of voiding difficulty and intermittent macroscopic hematuria. With a presumed diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, he underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate. Pathological examination revealed atypical basaloid cells forming solid nests. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy was subsequently performed, confirming a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma with coexisting acinar adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Although more cases of basal cell carcinoma are indolent than aggressive, there is no reliable method of differentiation between these presentations. Thus, we recommend radical surgery and 6-monthly disease surveillance until more is discovered about this very rare malignancy.

MYB-NFIB gene fusion in prostatic basal cell carcinoma: clinicopathologic correlates and comparison with basal cell adenoma and florid basal cell hyperplasia

Prostatic basal cell carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm composed of basaloid cells forming infiltrative nests and tubules, which may potentially be misdiagnosed as benign basal cell proliferations (i.e., florid basal cell hyperplasia or basal cell adenoma) and also closely resembles adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland. MYB-NFIB gene rearrangement occurs in 30-86% of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinomas. We sought to further characterize MYB gene rearrangement in prostatic basal cell carcinoma and correlate MYB-NFIB fusion status with other clinicopathologic characteristics. To this end, FISH analysis for MYB-NFIB gene fusion using fusion probes was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from prostatic basal cell carcinoma (n = 30), florid basal cell hyperplasia (n = 18), and basal cell adenoma (n = 4). Fourteen of 30 (47%) cases of basal cell carcinoma were positive for MYB-NFIB gene fusion FISH, and no cases of benign basal cell proliferations were positive (p < 0.05). FISH-positive patients (mean age = 63 years, range: 35-81) tended to be younger than FISH-negative patients (mean age = 70 years, range: 55-93). Most FISH-positive cases demonstrated adenoid cystic carcinoma-like morphology (57%), and most FISH-negative cases demonstrated nonadenoid cystic carcinoma-like morphology (93%); one case (FISH-positive) demonstrated areas with both adenoid cystic carcinoma-like and nonadenoid cystic carcinoma-like morphology. FISH-positive cases more frequently demonstrated perineural invasion (50% vs. 14%, p < 0.05) compared to FISH-negative cases. Conversely, tall basal cells (i.e., neoplastic cells at least two times taller than wide) were more frequent in FISH-negative cases than FISH-positive cases (93% vs. 36%, p < 0.05). Approximately, 50% of prostatic basal cell carcinoma harbor MYB-NFIB gene fusion. The majority of these cases were characterized by adenoid cystic carcinoma-like morphology, perineural invasion, and lack tall basal cells. Florid basal cell hyperplasia and basal cell adenoma are negative for MYB-NFIB gene fusion.

Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate: A case report and review of the literature

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the prostate is a rare tumor exhibiting various morphological characteristics, and its progression varies from an indolent to an aggressive type, with local recurrence or distant metastasis. We herein report the case of a patient who was diagnosed with early-stage BCC of the prostate and treated by surgery. A 68 year-old-man visited our hospital for a follow-up for bladder cancer. In August 2017, his serum prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) level was measured to be 5.61 ng/ml and prostate biopsy was performed. Histological examination revealed BCC of the prostate, with immunostaining examination of tumor cells showing positive results for p63 but negative results for PSA. Imaging examination showed no metastasis. Retropubic radical prostatectomy with extended lymph node dissection was performed. Pathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed coexistence of a predominant basaloid component and an adenoid cystic-like tumor with cribriform appearance. There was no extracapsular infiltration or lymph node metastasis. The patient remained alive and recurrence-free after 1 year of follow-up.

Prostate Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Prostate basal cell carcinoma (PBCC) accounts for 0.01% of all prostate cancers. A 68-year-old man complained of dysuria for 5 years on his initial visit. His PSA level was 3.87 ng/mL. Due to a diagnosis of benign prostate hyperplasia, he underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. A pathological examination revealed that basal cell-like atypical cells made alveolar with palisadal layout. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive 34β12, P63, and Ki-67. Based on these findings, PBCC was diagnosed. Then, we performed radical prostatectomy. He was free from recurrence 22 months after the operation. We herein report an extremely rare case of PBCC.

Histopathology of Prostate Cancer

This review focuses on histopathological aspects of carcinoma of the prostate. A tissue diagnosis of adenocarcinoma is often essential for establishing a diagnosis of prostate cancer, and the foundation for a tissue diagnosis is currently light microscopic examination of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained tissue sections. Markers detected by immunohistochemistry on tissue sections can support a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma that is primary in the prostate gland or metastatic. Histological variants of carcinoma of the prostate are important for diagnostic recognition of cancer or as clinicopathologic entities that have prognostic and/or therapeutic significance. Histological grading of adenocarcinoma of the prostate, including use of the 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) modified Gleason grades and the new grade groups, is one of the most powerful prognostic indicators for clinically localized prostate cancer, and is one of the most critical factors in determination of management of these patients.

Effective PI3K modulators for improved therapy against malignant tumors and for neuroprotection of brain damage after tumor therapy (Review)

Due to the key role in various cellular processes including cell proliferation and cell survival on many cell types, dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway represents a crucial step of the pathogenesis in many diseases. Furthermore, the tumor suppressor PTEN negatively regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway through its lipid phosphatase activity, which is recognized as one of the most frequently deleted and/or mutated genes in human cancer. Given the pervasive involvement of this pathway, the development of the molecules that modulate this PI3K/AKT signaling has been initiated in studies which focus on the extensive effective drug discovery. Consequently, the PI3K/AKT pathway appears to be an attractive pharmacological target both for cancer therapy and for neurological protection necessary after the therapy. A better understanding of the molecular relations could reveal new targets for treatment development. We review recent studies on the features of PI3K/AKT and PTEN, and their pleiotropic functions relevant to the signaling pathways involved in cancer progress and in neuronal damage by the therapy.

Expression of PTEN and Its Correlation with Proliferation Marker Ki-67 in Head and Neck Cancer

Introduction

PTEN is part of large family of tyrosine phosphatases and has been found inactivated in a wide variety of human cancers.

Aims

In the present study we have tried to determine the association of the expression patterns of this gene with carcinogenesis.

Methods

First, a systematic review was carried out to ascertain the importance of the PTEN gene and its role in carcinogenesis. In the second phase, a case-control study was designed using different expression analysis techniques. Expression of PTEN mRNA was analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

Significantly downregulated expression of PTEN was observed in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) compared to adjacent normal-tissue controls. These results were confirmed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Significant downregulation of the gene was observed in HNC patients compared to adjacent normal-tissue controls. PTEN expression was correlated with different histopathological parameters of the study cohort by Spearman's correlation coefficient and a significant negative correlation was observed with pT stage (r = −0.271*; p<0.02) and grade (r = −0.228*; p<0.02) of HNC tissues. Furthermore, the expression variations of PTEN were correlated with the expression pattern of the proliferation marker Ki-67. Significantly (p<0.008) upregulated expression of Ki-67 was observed in HNC patients compared with adjacent normal-tissue controls This upregulation of Ki-67 was confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry in HNC patients. When Spearman's correlation was carried out a significant negative correlation was observed between PTEN and Ki-67 (r = −0.230*; p<0.03).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that downregulation of PTEN and overexpression of Ki-67 may contribute to the initiation and progression of HNC.

The pathology of unusual subtypes of prostate cancer

There are some current literatures describing the morphologic change of prostate carcinoma variants. Some subtypes do not respond to hormone deprivation therapy, for example adenosquamous and squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC), basaloid and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), small cell carcinoma (SmCC), sarcomatoid carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma; some are defined in special Gleason grade, some develop different prognosis. So, it is very important to identify these rare subtypes to avoid misdiagnosis. In this review, we aim to describe the typical clinicopathological features of the rare variants of prostate cancer, including prostate acinar adenocarcinoma morphologic variants.