No abstract

MAGE (Melanoma antigen E) family gene products encompass tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) recognised by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted specific T-cells. Agents inducing DNA demethylation, an event typically detectable in cellular de-differentiation processes, were shown to induce the expression of MAGE genes. By using a monoclonal antibody specific for MAGE family gene products, we have studied the expression of these TAAs in a group of 144 patients with invasive ductal breast cancers. Immunohistochemical data were correlated with tumour differentiation, lymphatic vessel invasion, oestrogen receptor expression, intratumoural necrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, perineural invasion, tumour microcalcifications and axillary lymph node metastases. MAGE immunoreactivity was undetectable in non-neoplastic cells. In poorly differentiated cancers positive staining was observed in 30/63 cases (47.6%) as compared with 13/51 (25.4%) and 5/30 (16.6%) in moderately and well-differentiated tumours, respectively (P<0.05). In addition, MAGE immunoreactivity was significantly correlated with lymphatic vessel invasion and intratumoural necrosis. Moreover, a significant inverse relationship with oestrogen receptor expression was also observed. However, no significant correlation could be established between MAGE immunoreactivity and defined phenotypic characteristics of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, including expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 or granzyme B. Thus, expression of MAGE family gene products in invasive ductal breast cancers appears to be associated with poorly differentiated histological phenotypes. These data support the concept of specific immunotherapy in highly aggressive forms of breast neoplasms. Furthermore, they suggest that MAGE immunoreactivity could represent a tumour marker of potential prognostic relevance.

Elevated expression of Bcl-2 was an independent prognostic factor for poorer OS in TNBC and as such a significant marker for tumor aggressiveness.

In a large population of patients with pharyngeal cancer and available 5-year survival data, prognosis tended to be poorer with MAGE-A expression and better with NY-ESO-1 expression, but the correlations did not reach statistical significance.

Multielemental analysis of whole blood can provide significant information for the evaluation of nutritional status, diagnosis of certain diseases as well as for the assessment of exposure to potentially toxic metals. However, the quantification of multiple elements in whole blood is not easy partly because of the wide variation in element concentrations (from ng•L-1 to g•L-1) and the complex matrix. The aim of this work was to develop a fast, sustainable and reliable analytical method, in combination with low power TXRF, for multielemental analysis of blood samples. Firstly, a set of experiments were carried out to select the best diluent type and dilution factor using the control material SeronormTM Trace Elements Whole Blood L-1. A critical evaluation of the parameters affecting the sample deposition on the reflector was also carried out including a study of the shape and element distribution of the deposited residue on the reflector by micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Using the best analytical conditions, limits of detection estimated were in the low mg•kg-1 range and similar to those obtained using more complex sample treatments such as digestion. Accuracy and precision of the results were in most cases acceptable (Recoveries: 89-102 %, RSD: 6-8%, n=5). Only underestimated values were obtained for light elements such as potassium. To prove the applicability of the method, several blood samples from control and thyroid diseases patients were analysed. Despite the fact that more samples need to be analysed, it seems that Zn and Br contents in some of the patients are significantly higher compared to control samples.