N. J. Aherne

Bone marrow micrometastases have upregulation of ICAM-1 and αVβ3 integrins: a putative survival mechanism for tumour dissemination?

ConclusionThis study provides a novel insight into the adhesion molecule profile of micrometastatic epithelial cells in women with breast cancer. The upregulation of ICAM-1 and αVβ3 reveals new evidence for the pro-angiogenic nature of micrometastatic cells and may offer further therapeutic options.

Nodal status does not predict micrometastatic burden in the bone marrow of patients with breast cancer

ConclusionWhile there are increased HEA positive cells in the bone marrow of women with locally advanced tumours, nodal status does not predict bone marrow positivity in breast cancer. This novel finding offers insights into the differing mechanisms of lymphatic and haematogenous spread in breast cancer.

Completion lymphadenectomy following positive sentinel node biopsy may not be justified in early stage breast cancer

ConclusionWhile SLNB accurately predicts nodal basin status, the incidence of nodal metastases in patients with early stage Tl cancers at ALND following a positive SLNB is 8%. The data suggest that patients with early stage breast cancer may not require completion lymphadenectomy, regardless of SLN positivity.

Patterns of early recurrence following negative sentinel lymphadenectomy for cutaneous melanoma

ConclusionThe early pattern of first recurrence for patients with negative results is characterised by a preponderance of locoregional sites, similar to that reported in previous studies of elective lymph node dissection. This data underscores the need for careful pathological analysis of the sentinel node as well as a careful, well-directed locoregional examination in the follow up of these patients.

Surgery does not affect the number of circulating tumour cells in the bone marrow of patients with breast carcinoma

ConclusionSurgery does not alter the incidence of cytokeratin positive epithelial cells in the peripheral blood or bone marrow of patients undergoing resection of primary breast tumours.

Surgery mobilises endothelial progenitor stem cells for perioperative tumour vasculogenesis

ConclusionBoth laparotomy and LPS are associated with significant mobilisation of endothelial progenitor stem cells. Given the role of endotoxin and VEGF in perioperative tumorogenesis, these findings may identify a novel mechanism whereby surgical trauma may potentiate tumour growth. Anti-VEGF MAb abrogates this effect, suggesting a novel strategy for preventing perioperative exacerbations of residual tumour growth.