Increase of gene activity of the proto-oncogene erbB2 which codes for the transmembrane kinase receptor p185erbB2 has been observed in > 30% of female breast and gynecological carcinomas. This overexpression was shown to be correlated with poor prognosis. We have investigated 38 samples of carcinomas of the male breast for p185erbB2 expression by using tumor thin sections and a monoclonal antibody. The immunostaining was compared to clinical data to assess a possible prognostic value of this parameter. Although most cases were immunopositive (36/38), no correlation to tumor grading and survival spans was notable. Therefore, erbB2 activity fails to add a new prognostic parameter in male breast carcinomas.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Treatment of essential thrombocythemia--personal experience].

The present paper summarizes 13-years our center's experience in the treatment of essential thrombocythemia (ET). We analyzed a group of 36 patients treated with busulphan (Bu), 16 with hydroxyurea (HU) and 4 with interferon alpha (INF alpha). The results of therapy were assessed using proposed self-defined criteria of ET remission. The remission of ET was achieved in 75% of the patients treated with Bu and 57% treated with HU followed for at least 2 years. In the INF alpha treated group cytoreduction was achieved only in patients in whom initial dose of INF alpha was 6 mln I.U. per day. HU seems to be the drug of choice in younger patients because of possible mutagenic effect of Bu as well as in those, in whom Bu was administered in high total dose. During the cytoreductive or maintenance therapy with HU the blood morphology should be often controlled because of relatively high frequency (40%) of leukopenia. In each case of ET cytogenetic examination is necessary. Ph-positive ET determine the choice of the treatment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Cytogenetic studies of families with reproductive failure].

Cytogenetic analysis carried out in 209 patients with reproduction failure demonstrated chromosomal aberrations in 6 married couples. In 5 of these cases balanced translocations were found, and in one case 45,X/46,XX cell mosaicism was present. The proportion of abnormal karyotypes in the group was 5.7% per one couple and was only slightly lower than the mean frequency of chromosomal aberrations calculated by the authors in cases of reproduction failures diagnosed in other cytogenetic laboratories in Poland-6.7%. The identical frequency of aberrations in married couples with a history of 2 or 3 or more abortions indicates the necessity of carrying out cytogenetic investigations already after two spontaneous abortions.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMedDate not supplied