Grading ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast using an automated proliferation index

Tumor grade, size and margin status are the most significant factors in predicting the behavior of ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). The inclusion of necrosis and nuclear grade in the grading of DCIS has demonstrated a fair but suboptimal agreement between pathologists. The grading of DCIS was studied and compared to the Van Nuys (VN) system, by using our newly proposed unifying "nuclear grade + proliferation index (N+P) grading system for invasive carcinomas. 162 DCIS tumors were studied including 49 VN I, 31 VN II, and 82 VN III cases. The VN and N+P systems were compared with each other and correlated with tumor size, ER, PR, p53, Her-2, EGFR, Bcl-2, p27 and p21 status. The two systems demonstrated similar frequencies for the different grades and an agreement with each other for all of the biomarkers studied. The greatest difference between the two systems was observed for those tumors initially classified as VN II (94% being down-graded to N+P I) and VN III (80% being down-graded to N+P II). These results suggest that the N+P system, combining nuclear grade with automated MIB-1 count, is a potentially valid and reproducible grading system for both non-invasive and invasive mammary carcinomas. It is automated, less subjective in assessing mitotic activity and necrosis and correlates with other prognostic biomarkers.

Increased MYC gene copy number correlates with increased mRNA levels in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Translocations involving the MYC gene and increased MYC mRNA levels are associated with poor outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, the presence of increased MYC gene copy number and/or polysomy of chromosome 8 have not been previously described.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Utilizing dual color chromogenic in situ hybridization, we investigated MYC gene copy and chromosome 8 centromere numbers in 52 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Cases were divided into those with "increased" or "not increased" MYC gene copy number for comparison with MYC mRNA levels, Ki-67 values, and survival.

RESULTS

Increased MYC gene copy number was present in 38% of cases. Overall, the average MYC mRNA level was 2398 (range, 342 - 9783) and the percentage of nuclei positive for Ki-67 was 57.5% (range, 20-87%). Within the group with increased MYC copy number, the MYC mRNA values ranged from 816 to 5912 (average, 2843) and the Ki-67 values ranged from 23% to 83% (average, 57%). Within the group with not increased MYC copy number, MYC mRNA values ranged from 342 to 9783 (average, 2118) and the Ki-67 values ranged from 20% to 87% (average, 58%). There was a statistically significant relationship between increased MYC gene copy number and increased MYC mRNA (P=0.034) and a trend toward a relationship between increased mRNA and higher Ki-67 values.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report that low level copy number increases are common in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and that these changes correlate with MYC mRNA in a statistically significant manner. MYC copy number changes are an additional possible molecular mechanism that may result in increased mRNA and, likely, high proliferation and poor outcome.

Giant anal condylomatosis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a rare complication of human papilloma virus infection

Condyloma acuminata or genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Ongoing proliferation of HPV in patients with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency states leads to the development of rapidly progressive and sometimes locally invasive tumor with or without dysplasia. Aggressive treatment, diagnostic immuno-typing, and follow-up are necessary in patients with ongoing immunosuppression. We report a case of giant ano-genital condylomatosis due to HPV types 6 and 11 in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The tumor was successfully treated with surgical excision and local application of 5% imiquimod cream.

Quality Assurance in Hemostasis: The Perspective from the College of American Pathologists Proficiency Testing Program

External quality assurance (EQA) is an important component of the total quality assurance program of a clinical hemostasis laboratory. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) helps meet this requirement by providing a proficiency testing program that evaluates a broad range of hemostasis methods and analytes. This article reviews the published experience of the CAP proficiency testing program in hemostasis. The purpose is to formulate general conclusions about the benefits of EQA. Between 1963 and 2006, the performance characteristics of a variety of tests have been evaluated, including the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, coagulation factor activity assays (e.g., fibrinogen, factor [F] VIII, FIX, FXI), von Willebrand factor assays, unfractionated heparin monitoring, lupus anticoagulant testing, and platelet function. Based on the results of these evaluations, the major benefits of EQA are to (1) enhance patient care and safety through improved laboratory testing; (2) characterize test accuracy and precision across multiple methods; (3) correlate specific method variables with accuracy and precision; (4) identify interfering substances and quantify their effects across multiple methods; (5) identify clinical laboratories that are at risk for poor performance so that their performance can improve; and (6) satisfy accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation (malignant triton tumor)

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors arise from Schwann cells or within existing neurofibromas and have a strong association with type 1 neurofibromatosis. These tumors are histologically diverse and may contain malignant areas of divergent mesenchymal differentiation, the most common of which is skeletal muscle (rhabdomyosarcoma). Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation is also known as malignant triton tumor. Malignant triton tumor has a worse prognosis than classic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor does, and the correct diagnosis requires attention to the clinical history and knowledge of the complexities regarding its differential diagnosis. In this review we discuss the clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and prognostic features of this rare neoplasm.