New Approaches for Early Detection of Breast Tumor Invasion or Progression
Abstract
To assess interactions between epithelial (EP) and myoepithelial (ME) cells in association with breast tumor progression and invasion, a double immunostaining technique with antibodies to smooth muscle actin (SMA) and estrogen receptor (ER) was used to elucidate both the ME and EP cells in mammary tissues harboring ductal carcinoma in situ. Single or clusters of EP cells with a marked diminution or a total loss of ER expression were found immediately overlying focally disrupted ME cell layers, in contrast to the dominant population of ER (+) cells within the same duct that showed no associated ME cell layer disruptions. This study attempted to confirm our previous findings on a larger number of cases, and to compare the immunohistochemical and molecular biological profiles of the ER (-) cells overlying disrupted ME cell layers with those of adjacent ER (+) cells and surrounding stromal (ST) cells. Since ME cell layers are physical barriers protecting the microenvironment and integrity of EP cells, and the disruption of ME cell layers is an absolute pre-requisite for breast tumor invasion, the outcomes of this project could have significant values in early detection of breast tumor progression and/or invasion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA416780
Entities
People
- Yan-gao Man