PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Marie-Anne Bründler

Publications and source records attributed to Marie-Anne Bründler.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Double frameshift mutations in APC and MSH2 in the same individual.

Heterozygous germline DNA mismatch repair gene mutations are typically associated with HNPCC. Here we report the case of a proband whose father was known for familial adenomatous polyposis. The number of polyps (less than ten) was not typical of polyposis; therefore, the diagnosis of HNPCC was entertained. Microsatellite instability analyses were performed on peripheral blood and biopsy of a right-sided dysplastic adenoma. The tumor tissue showed high-grade instability, and a subsequent, immunohistochemistry showed that neither MSH2 nor MSH6 proteins were expressed in tumor cells. Prophylactic colectomy was performed, and an adenocarcinoma developing within the adenoma was diagnosed (pT1N0). Genomic DNA analysis revealed a novel mutation in MSH2 as a frameshift mutation in exon 7 (c.1191_1192dupG). Both parents of the proband were analysed for MSH2 and APC mutations, and in the father, a truncating mutation in exon 15 of APC was identified as del3471-3473GAGA. This mutation was found to be present in the proband. His mother was found to bear the MSH2 exon 7 mutation. At the follow-up, the proband was diagnosed with fundic, antral and duodenal adenomas (one fundic adenoma showed low-grade dysplasia). Several tubular rectal adenomas with low-grade dysplasia were excised. The patient later developed an intra-abdominal desmoid tumor.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: long-term results of a phase I trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term results of radiation therapy (RT) when added preoperatively to systemic chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients presenting with T3-4 or N+ gastric cancer received two cycles of cisplatin 100 mg/m2 d1, 5FU 800 mg/m2 d1-4, and Leucovorin 60 mg twice daily d1-4; one cycle before and one concomitantly with hyperfractionated RT (median dose, 38.4; range, 31.2-45.6 Gy). All patients underwent a total or subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node resection. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were accrued and 18 completed the neoadjuvant therapeutic program. All patients were subsequently operated and no fatality occurred. At a mean follow-up of 8 years for the surviving patients, no severe late toxicity was observed. The 5-year locoregional control, disease-free, and overall survival were of 85%, 41%, and 35%, respectively. The peritoneum was the most frequent site of relapse. Among long terms survivors, no severe (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Grade 3-4) late complication was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The present neoadjuvant treatment does not seem to increase the operative risk, nor the late side effects. The encouraging locoregional control rate suggests that the neoadjuvant approach should be considered for future trials in locally advanced gastric cancer. Also, the frequency of peritoneal recurrence stresses the need for a more efficient systemic or intraperitoneal treatment.

Adult↗

Double frameshift mutations in APC and MSH2 in the same individual.

Heterozygous germline DNA mismatch repair gene mutations are typically associated with HNPCC. Here we report the case of a proband whose father was known for familial adenomatous polyposis. The number of polyps (less than ten) was not typical of polyposis; therefore, the diagnosis of HNPCC was entertained. Microsatellite instability analyses were performed on peripheral blood and biopsy of a right-sided dysplastic adenoma. The tumour tissue showed high-grade instability, and subsequently, immunohistochemistry showed that neither MSH2 nor MSH6 proteins were expressed in tumour cells. Prophylactic colectomy was performed, and an adenocarcinoma developing within the adenoma was diagnosed (pT1N0). Genomic DNA analysis revealed a novel mutation in MSH2 as a frameshift mutation in exon 7 (c.1,191_1,192dupG). Both parents of the proband were analyzed for MSH2 and APC mutations, and in the father, a truncating mutation in exon 15 of APC was identified as del3471-3473GAGA. This mutation was found to be present in the proband. His mother was found to bear the MSH2 exon 7 mutation. At follow-up, the proband was diagnosed with fundic, antral and duodenal adenomas (one fundic adenoma showed low-grade dysplasia). Several tubular rectal adenomas with low-grade dysplasia were excised. The patient later developed an intra-abdominal desmoid tumour.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Differential expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in keratinizing versus non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.

BACKGROUND: Histologically, tumors of the anal region are either keratinizing (K) or non-keratinizing (NK) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCA). We hypothesized that these two variants might represent, not only morphologically, but also biologically, dissimilar malignancies. The present study was undertaken to compare the expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins Bcl-2 and p53 in K versus NK SCCA. METHODS: We performed an immunohistochemical analysis on 98 pre-treatment biopsies of patients with anal canal cancers. Tissue sections were examined immunohistochemically for expression of proteins Bcl-2 (clone 124, DAKO, 1:100) and p53 (clone DO7, DAKO, 1:200). Expression of p53 and Bcl-2 was considered positive when >5% of tumor cells were stained. Tumor histology was correlated with protein expression as well as with other clinical variables. RESULTS: There were 64 NK and 34 K SCC. The proportion of Bcl-2 positive tumors was statistically higher in NK carcinomas (51.5 vs. 23.5%, p=0.009). In addition, women were more likely than men to present with NK carcinomas (71 vs. 45%, p=0.03) as well as with Bcl-2 positive tumors (47 vs. 29%, p=0.05). The more distal the tumor is (anal margin), the more frequently the keratinizing subtype is observed (87 vs. 23%, p=0.0002). By contrast, there was no correlation between p53 and tumor histology (p=0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that non-keratinizing and keratinizing SCCA differ in their Bcl-2 expression. In addition, significant differences were observed in the distribution of these two histological subtypes according to gender and tumor sublocation. These findings may indicate possible differences in the carcinogenesis process of these two histological subtypes.

Adult↗

Prognostic value of apoptosis-regulating protein expression in anal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the prognostic value of pro and antiapoptotic protein expression, as well as that of spontaneous apoptosis, in anal carcinoma patients treated by radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Ninety-eight patients with available pretreatment biopsy specimens were studied. Patients had been treated with split-course RT: 30-40 Gy fractionated external beam, followed by a 20-22-Gy boost using interstitial or external RT. Fifty-one patients also received concomitant mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil. Median follow-up for surviving patients was 124 months. Tissue sections were examined immunohistochemically for expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bax, p53), antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Mcl-1), and spontaneous apoptosis (M30). Except for M30, staining of less than 5% of tumor cells was considered negative. Protein expression was correlated with local tumor control (LC) and disease-free survival (DFS) outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for the monovariate analysis and the Cox proportional hazard models for the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: For LC, beside advanced T- and N-categories and longer overall treatment time (OTT), lack of Bcl-2 expression was associated with poorer 5-year outcome (62 versus 84%, P = 0.009). For DFS, advanced T- and N-categories, longer OTT, and the lack of Bcl-2 expression correlated significantly with lower rates. In the multivariate analysis, N-category (P = 0.0026), OTT (P = 0.04), Bcl-2 (P = 0.0015), and M30 (P = 0.035) expressions were significant factors for LC. For DFS, age (P = 0.049) an N-category (P < 0.0001), as well as expression of Bcl-2 (P = 0.001), p53 (P = 0.003), and M30 (P = 0.03), were found to be independent significant variables. Patients with Bcl-2(+)/p53(-) tumors had a significantly higher 5-year LC compared with patients whose tumors were Bcl-2(-)/p53(+) (93 versus 53%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Bcl-2 and particularly the combination of p53 and Bcl-2 expression may prove to be useful predictors of tumor response to RT or radiochemotherapy in anal carcinomas. Patients having tumors that are Bcl-2(-) and p53(+) may require intensified radiochemotherapy or adoption of an alternative therapeutic approach.

Adult↗

Prostate cancer is part of the hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) tumor spectrum.

The recognized urologic tumor spectrum in hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer includes ureteral and renal pelvis malignancies. Here, we report a family in which the proband, who had three metachronous adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum (at ages 54, 57, and 60), presented with an adenocarcinoma of the prostate at age 61. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of colonic, rectal, and prostatic tumor tissues demonstrated lack of expression of both MSH2 and MSH6. Accordingly, microsatellite instability (MSI) was found in the rectal, colonic, and prostatic tumors. The kindred complies with the Amsterdam criteria for HNPCC, as five members over three generations had colorectal cancer. Molecular investigations were initiated when the proband's son presented with an adenocarcinoma of the colon at age 35. Southern blotting analysis of genomic DNA led to identification of a novel genomic deletion encompassing exon 5 of the MSH2 gene. Although prostate cancer has occasionally been described in HNPCC families, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report where the MSI and IHC analysis of the prostatic adenomcarcinoma clearly link its aetiology to the germline mismatch repair mutation. Hence, prostate cancer should be included in the HNPCC tumor spectrum.

Base Pair Mismatch↗

Adenovirus ascending cholangiohepatitis.

Three children, two with liver transplants and one with acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, presented with hepatitis accompanied by elevated gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. Biopsies revealed cholangiohepatitis caused by adenovirus infection. There was a progressive loss of interlobular bile ducts in two of the patients. In one patient, infection of the biliary tree was marked by a necrotizing cholangitis, with adenoviral inclusions noted in the biliary epithelium. In each patient, there was evidence of adenovirus gastrointestinal infection. This is the first report of adenoviral infection of the biliary tree in humans. It is hypothesized that adenovirus cholangiohepatitis occurs as a result of ascending infection from the gastrointestinal tract to the biliary tree.

Adenoviridae↗

Preoperative hyperfractionated radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancers: a phase I-II trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the toxicity, pathologic response rates, type of surgery, and oncologic results in a prospective Phase I-II trial using pure hyperfractionated radiotherapy (RT) preoperatively in locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between September 1997 and April 2000, 50 patients with T3-T4 or N1 rectal cancers were treated preoperatively with 50 Gy (45 Gy to the pelvis and a 5-Gy tumor boost) in 40 fractions of 1.25 Gy during 4 weeks. The pretreatment tumor stage as determined by CT and endorectal ultrasonography (80% of patients) included 1 Stage T2 (2%), 45 T3 (90%), and 4 T4 (8%). Nodal involvement (N1) was documented in 26 patients (52%). Surgery was performed at a median interval of 45 days (range 26-114 days) after RT completion. Seventeen patients who presented with pT4 or pN1 and/or pM1 received 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy postoperatively. RESULTS: All patients completed the RT schedule as planned. Severe acute toxicities included two Grade 3 skin reactions (4%) that did not require a break. The other acute toxicities were Grade 2 or less (skin, diarrhea, urinary, rectal tenesmus, and fatigue). A complete pathologic response was observed in 7 patients (14%), and microscopic residual cancer was found in 10 (20%). Of the 20 patients presenting with tumor located < or = 6 cm from the anal verge, sphincter-saving surgery was performed in 14 (70%). At 3 years, the actuarial locoregional control rate was 90.5%, and the disease-free survival rate was 74.6%. At a median follow-up of 32 months, 4 patients (8%) presented with severe late complications (Grade 3-4) that might have been RT related (one rectovaginal fistula, two chronic perineal fistulas, and one bilateral ureteral stenosis). CONCLUSION: In locally advanced rectal cancer, preoperative hyperfractionated RT to a total dose of 50 Gy is feasible, with acceptable acute and late toxicity and an objective downstaging effect. In view of these results, this schedule might be used as a basis for additional investigation regarding RT dose escalation or the addition of concomitant chemotherapy.

Adult↗

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura is a mesenchymal tumor that has been increasingly recognized over the past few years. The tumor was initially described in the pleura, but it has been reported in many other sites lately. Although the majority of these tumors have a benign course, the malignant form still remains enigmatic. Indeed, the behavior of these tumors is often unpredictable and does not always correlate with histologic findings. In addition, benign tumors may remain unproblematic for several years before changing into a malignant form. In order to define more precisely the clinical behavior of solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura, we reviewed the literature with particular attention to the clinical presentation, histopathologic characteristics, and cytogenetic differentiation of these tumors. A staging system and an algorithm for the management and follow-up of these patients are proposed.

Algorithms↗

Influence of the type and rate of subarachnoid fluid infusion on lethal neurogenic pulmonary edema in rats.

In patients who experience sudden death from spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, more than 90% present with acute pulmonary edema. The underlying pathogenesis of this complication is poorly understood. In addition, the specific role of the extravasated blood products and the associated elevation in intracranial pressure leading to the systemic and pulmonary effects during subarachnoid hemorrhage are not well established. The authors tested a new model of acute and severe subarachnoid hemorrhage comparing fresh whole autologous blood (n = 20) with 5% albumin (n = 19) injected at two different rates (35 seconds versus 24 minutes) into the cisterna magna of anesthetized, mechanically ventilated rats. Cerebral and systemic hemodynamics and the corresponding pulmonary function were evaluated. The type of fluid injected had no influence on survival or hemodynamic and respiratory parameters. Rapid infusion of either blood or albumin (n = 14) produced an acute and transient rise in intracranial pressure (37.9 +/- 3.5 mm Hg) associated with systemic hypertension and increased cerebral perfusion pressure that was sustained in survivors but not in nonsurvivors. Slow infusion (n = 23) produced a more progressive increase in intracranial pressure to 31.2 +/- 7.1 mm Hg with a parallel and sustained increase of systemic blood pressure and preserved cerebral perfusion pressure in survivors, but produced a pattern of more severe hypertension followed by hypotension in nonsurvivors. Sixty-four percent of animals (rapid infusion) and 48% of animals (slow infusion) survived the challenge and presented no pulmonary alterations. In contrast, nonsurviving rats developed reduced lung compliance and gas exchange, an increased alveolar-arterial protein concentration ratio (0.36 +/- 0.02 versus 0.17 +/- 0.03 in survivors; P <.0001), and increased lung weight (5.7 +/- 0.3 g versus 2.0 +/- 0.1 g; P <.0001), demonstrating a fulminant increased permeability pulmonary edema, leading to death within one hour. These results indicate that the chosen rapid- and slow-injection rates resulted in a similar death rate of 50%. Mortality was similar for blood and albumin administration, pulmonary edema occurred in nonsurvivors in both the rapid- and slow-injection groups, and pulmonary edema is associated with more severe hypertension in the slow-injection group. Furthermore, these results suggest that the development of neurogenic pulmonary edema that is characterized by an acutely increased capillary permeability to proteins is independent of the degree of intracranial pressure increase or the type of fluid administrated.

Animals↗

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor with postchemotherapy neuroblastoma-like differentiation.

We report the case of an 11-year-old girl with a retroperitoneal tumor in the left upper quadrant. The girl was admitted to hospital with weight loss and a painless abdominal mass that on biopsy was diagnosed as a peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing sarcoma (pPNET/EWS) of the soft tissue. The patient underwent chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of the tumor 5 months after diagnosis. The posttreatment residual viable tumor showed a morphologic appearance resembling a neuroblastoma. Interphase and metaphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies performed on the pretreatment and posttreatment samples showed the presence of a t(11;22) rearrangement resulting in EWSR1/FLI1 gene fusion consistent with pPNET/EWS in both specimens. This case is unusual in the sense of showing the typical gene fusion for pPNET/EWS both in the pretherapy sample with the typical morphological appearance of this tumor and in the posttherapy specimen showing neural differentiation suggestive of a neuroblastoma.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗