The expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 kip1 in human tumors and normal tissues was investigated using a panel of novel anti-p27 kip1 mAbs. An inverse correlation between expression of p27 kip1 and cell proliferation was generally observed after analyzing its expression in 25 different normal human tissues. In some highly proliferative human breast cancer cells, however, high level p27 kip1 expression was seen, indicating the existence of a mechanism by which some growing tumor cells may tolerate this inhibitor of cell cycle progression. Detailed studies demonstrated a correlation between the high level expression of p27 kip1 and cyclin D1 in human breast cancer cells. There was also an inverse correlation between the expression of p27 kip1 and the degree of tumor malignancy in human breast and colorectal cancers, indicating that p27 kip1 may be a useful prognostic marker in these cancers.

Loading-induced ERK activation was dependent upon the presence and concentration of pericellular FGF-2, suggesting a functional role for this matrix-bound growth factor in chondrocyte mechanotransduction.

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) provides the unique opportunity to assess response to treatment after months rather than years of follow-up. However, significant variability exists in methods of pathologic assessment of response to NAST, and thus its interpretation for subsequent clinical decisions. Our international multidisciplinary working group was convened by the Breast International Group-North American Breast Cancer Group (BIG-NABCG) collaboration and tasked to recommend practical methods for standardized evaluation of the post-NAST surgical breast cancer specimen for clinical trials that promote accurate and reliable designation of pathologic complete response ( pCR) and meaningful characterization of residual disease. Recommendations include multidisciplinary communication; clinical marking of the tumor site (clips); and radiologic, photographic, or pictorial imaging of the sliced specimen, to map the tissue sections and reconcile macroscopic and microscopic findings. The information required to define pCR (ypT0/is ypN0 or ypT0 yp N0), residual ypT and ypN stage using the current AJCC/UICC system, and the Residual Cancer Burden system were recommended for quantification of residual disease in clinical trials.

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