usha singh

Background The inactivation of the tumour suppressor gene and activation of the proto-oncogene are the key steps in the development of the human cancer. The p53 and c-erbB-2 are the best examples of it. In the present study, our aim was to determine the role of these genes in the carcinogenesis of gallbladder by immunohistochemistry. Methods In all 78 consecutive patients of gall bladder diseases were studied for p53 and c-erbB-2 expression immunohistochemically and their expression was correlated with the age, grades and stages of the disease and presence of stone. An informed consent was obtained in each case. Chi square and z test were applied to see the association of p53 and c-erbB-2 over expression with other clinicopathological factors. Results Eight (20%) patients of gall bladder cancer were positive for p53 expression and 10 (25%) patients for c-erbB-2. The p53 positivity increased with increasing grade while cerbB-2 positivity decreased with increasing grade of gall bladder cancer. Mean age in cerbB-2 positive cases were lesser as compared to negative cases while p53 did not show such association with age. Conclusion Only one case of gall bladder cancer co-expressed the p53 and c-erbB-2, thereby suggesting that p53 and c-erbB-2 may have independent role in carcinogenesis of gall bladder cancer. c-erbB-2 over expression in adenoma and younger age group indicates its role as an early event in carcinogenesis of gallbladder. However study of larger sample is required to further validate the results.

BackgroundCA 125 is a glycoprotein and a commonly used tumor marker in ovarian carcinoma. Its use in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has not yet been reported. We have henceforth examined for the first time the diagnostic utility of CA 125 in patients with gallbladder diseases.CA 125 is a glycoprotein and a commonly used tumor marker in ovarian carcinoma. Its use in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has not yet been reported. We have henceforth examined for the first time the diagnostic utility of CA 125 in patients with gallbladder diseases.Patients and MethodsSerum CA 125 was measured in 64 patients with GBC, 47 Gallstone disease (GSD) and 23 healthy volunteers by ELISA. CA 125 level was compared between different cohorts by non-parametric test (Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney test). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed to see the diagnostic utility of CA 125. Its level was also correlated with age, sex and clinico-pathological parameters of the patients included in the study.Serum CA 125 was measured in 64 patients with GBC, 47 Gallstone disease (GSD) and 23 healthy volunteers by ELISA. CA 125 level was compared between different cohorts by non-parametric test (Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney test). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed to see the diagnostic utility of CA 125. Its level was also correlated with age, sex and clinico-pathological parameters of the patients included in the study.ResultsMean value of CA 125 in patients with GBC, GSD and healthy volunteers was 77.44 ± 141.31 U/ml, 7.85 ± 5.40 U/ml, and 8.08 ± 3.26 U/ml respectively and showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). CA 125 at cut off value of 11 U/ml yielded 64% sensitivity and 90% specificity in differentiating benign from malignant gallbladder disease. CA 125 level increased with stage and grade of the GBC though this was not statistically significant. A higher level of CA 125 was found in presence of gallbladder mass, weight loss, ascites and loss of appetite compared to patients with GSD. No association of CA 125 was apparent with either age or sex of the patients.Mean value of CA 125 in patients with GBC, GSD and healthy volunteers was 77.44 ± 141.31 U/ml, 7.85 ± 5.40 U/ml, and 8.08 ± 3.26 U/ml respectively and showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). CA 125 at cut off value of 11 U/ml yielded 64% sensitivity and 90% specificity in differentiating benign from malignant gallbladder disease. CA 125 level increased with stage and grade of the GBC though this was not statistically significant. A higher level of CA 125 was found in presence of gallbladder mass, weight loss, ascites and loss of appetite compared to patients with GSD. No association of CA 125 was apparent with either age or sex of the patients.ConclusionCA 125 has a diagnostic potential for GBC and can differentiate GBC from GSD in light of other clinical details. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:665–669. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.CA 125 has a diagnostic potential for GBC and can differentiate GBC from GSD in light of other clinical details. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:665–669. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background Racial disparity in presentation and outcome of breast cancer is established but cause is unexplained. Many studies show various molecular markers for racial differences in the prognosis of breast cancer. There is scarcity of data on prognostic significance of HER-2/neu in Indian breast cancer. Aims and Objective To know incidence and prognostic significance of HER-2/neu expression in Indian patients. To correlate HER-2/neu Expression with other prognostic markers and ER/PR Receptor status. Material and Methods 112 consecutive patients with breast cancer attending the Department of Surgical Oncology from March 1997 to March 2000 were included in this study. The clinical data along with ER/PR status, follow up data and HER-2/neu expression examined by immuno-histochemical method was recorded. Statistical Analysis Data was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis for all prognostic factors. Significance was calculated by using Chi square test and survival analysis by using Kaplan Meier survival curve. Results The median age of 112 patients was 46.56 (±9.55) years. HER-2/neu over expression was present in 46.37%. Significant correlation was found between HER-2/neu over expression and lymph node status, grade of tumor and ER/PR receptor status. Median follow up period of 23 months. There was significant tumour free survival advantage (p HER-2/neu negative expression. Conclusion HER-2/neu oncogene over expression is higher (46.37%) among Indian patients in comparison to 25–30% shown in most western literature. HER-2/neu oncogene over expression significantly correlates with grade, lymph node involvement, ER/PR status and also affects survival.