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Summary Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is involved in the degradation of interstitial collagen and thus thought to play a role in invasion of carcinoma. We investigated 51 oesophageal carcinoma patients to clarify the significance of MMP-1. MMP-1 mRNA was demonstrated to be expressed exclusively in almost all carcinoma tissue specimens (T) (94.1%) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, but not found in normal mucosal tissue specimens (N). The mean T/N ratio of MMP-1 was 42.5 and cases with T/N ≥ 10 had a higher incidence of cases involving muscularis propria than those with T/N < 10 which included all the cases involving the submucosa (P < 0.05). MMP-1 mRNA was significantly associated with both 40 kD (putative active MMP-1) and 50 kD (putative latent MMP-1) gelatinolytic bands (n = 17). These findings indicated that MMP-1 mRNA reflected the net function of MMP-1 and suggested MMP-1 to be involved in carcinoma invasive process. On the other hand, MMP-1 mRNA was inversely correlated with the patient prognosis (P < 0.01). These results indicated that MMP-1 might therefore play a crucial role in local invasion, but not in systemic dissemination. As a result, MMP-1 might be a novel prognostic factor independent from those previously reported in oesophageal carcinoma. 276-282 © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign doi: 10.1054/ bjoc.2000.1568, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on http://www.bjcancer.com basal cell carcinoma and one adenocarcinoma. The depth of invasion of the tumour was as follows, 5 involved the submucosa, 7 involved the muscularis propria, and 39 involved the adventitia or more. The cases with lymph node metastases were classified into two groups: the non-metastatic group (n = 8) and metastatic group (n = 43). Carcinoma specimens were obtained from the tumour edge, avoiding a necrotic centre and corresponding distant normal mucosa specimens were also obtained at least 5 cm away from the tumour edge by sharply dissecting the mucosa off the muscularis propria. All specimens were quick-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at Ϫ80˚C until processing.When obtaining the tumour tissue from the surgical specimens, we have carefully chosen the area where abundant tumour cells seemed to be contained. The cut surface of the tumour centre indicate the whitish area where usually contain a lot of tumour cells. Moreover we reviewed the specimens histologically, and almost all specimens (47/51) were ascertained that more than 80% area contained tumour cells and the remaining 4 showed that tumour cells occupied more than 70%. Thus we think the used specimens were good for the molecular analysis. RNA extraction, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern blot hybridizationTotal RNA isolation Frozen-tissue specimens were homogenized in guanidium thiocyanate and total RNAs were obtained by ultracentrifugation through a cesium chloride cushion as described previously (Mori et al, 1993;Yamashita et al, 2000).cDNA preparation and RT-PCR Eight µg of each total RNA was re...

Background:Young breast cancer survivors have specific needs related to age. Clarifying the relationships between unmet information needs and quality of life (QOL) in young breast cancer survivors can contribute to constructing a support system to enhance QOL in patients.Objective:This study aimed to identify the unmet information needs and examine the relationships between unmet information needs and QOL in young breast cancer survivors in Japan.Methods:Participants completed an information needs questionnaire containing 26 items, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument–Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and a demographic and medical information questionnaire.Results:Fifty participants (30.7%) were unsatisfied with “overall communication with medical professionals.” The mean scores on all subscales of the WHOQOL-BREF of the participants who were satisfied with “overall communication with medical professionals” were significantly higher than those of the unsatisfied group. “follow-up tests,” “treatment for recurrence of breast cancer,” “strategies about communication with medical staff,” and “nutrition” were significantly related with all subscales in the WHOQOL-BREF. “Secondary menopause caused by hormonal therapy” was significantly related with physical and psychological health.Conclusions:Japanese young breast cancer survivors have unmet information needs, including age-specific issues. These unmet information needs are related to QOL. In particular, “overall communication with medical professionals,” which is the most unmet information need, is related to QOL.Implications for Practice:Oncology nurses should teach patients communication skills, provide adequate information, and provide education and emotional support to medical professionals to improve QOL in young breast cancer survivors.