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Nancy D Perrier

Publications and source records attributed to Nancy D Perrier.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

HER2 expression in thyroid tumors.

Similarities exist in hormone receptors of breast, prostate, and thyroid tumors. HER2 oncogene expression is known to be present in breast and prostate tumors, but conflicting data have been published about its presence in thyroid tumors. This uncertainty prompted us to examine the incidence of HER2 overexpression in normal and malignant thyroid tissue. Normal and neoplastic thyroid tissue samples from 46 female and 9 male patients were assayed for HER2 expression by immunohistochemical assay. Of the 55 total samples, 36 were from neoplasms and 19 were from benign tissues. Significant HER2 overexpression was not found in any benign or malignant thyroid tissue. Two of 6 thyroid carcinomas from male patients showed 1+ reactivity for HER2 expression on immunohistochemistry assay, but remained negative on fluorescene in sito hybridization confirmatory testing. No significant expression of HER2 was noted in benign or malignant thyroid tissue. These results cast doubt on the value of HER2 as a prognostic factor or possible target for specific antitumor therapy for thyroid cancer.

Adolescent↗

Genetic screening for MEN1 mutations in families presenting with familial primary hyperparathyroidism.

A large number of families with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP) have been reported. We wanted to determine if some of these families represent early manifestations of full-blown syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), as early identification may alter surgical and medical management. Four small families with a family history of hyperparathyroidism without clear-cut MEN-1 features were screened for a MEN1 mutation. The 10 exons of the MEN1 gene were amplified and analyzed by single-strand conformation analysis (SSCA). Abnormal SSCA shifts were then sequenced using an automated sequencer. Two germline mutations were found: R527X and P277H. The former was detected in three members of a family consisting of two children and a mother. At the time of testing the youngest son was normocalcemic and clinically normal but subsequently developed hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Since the initial testing, the family has been confirmed to be a MEN-1 family as the mother has developed abdominal pain and an elevated serum pancreatic polypeptide and the younger brother an anterior pituitary tumor and recurrent HPT. The latter P277H mutation was identified in two of three members tested from another family. Manifestations of MEN-1 syndrome have also developed. The father now has developed diarrhea and elevated serum gastrin; and the daughter has developed recurrent HPT. Genetic screening of families who clinically have FIHP is important and may influence the type of medical and surgical treatment and follow-up, as some have MEN-1 syndrome. Long-term screening for MEN syndromes should be included in this set of patients. Positive screening may predict disease and allow early detection and appropriate treatment before initiation of symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Intraoperative analysis of sentinel lymph nodes by imprint cytology for cancer of the breast.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of lymphatic mapping techniques for breast carcinoma has made intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) attractive, because axillary lymph node dissection can be performed during the initial surgery if the SLN is positive. The optimal technique for rapid SLN assessment has not been determined. Both frozen sectioning and imprint cytology are used for rapid intraoperative SLN evaluation. METHODS: A retrospective review of the intraoperative imprint cytology results of 133 SLN mapping procedures from 132 breast carcinoma patients was performed. SLN were evaluated intraoperatively by bisecting the lymph node and making imprints of each cut surface. Imprints were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Diff-Quik. Permanent sections were evaluated with up to four H&E stained levels and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. Imprint cytology results were compared with final histologic results. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of imprint cytology were 56% and 100%, respectively, producing a 100% positive predictive value and 88% negative predictive value. Imprint cytology was significantly more sensitive for macrometastasis than micrometastasis 87% versus 22% (P = 0.00007). Of 13 total false negatives, 11 were found to be due to sampling error and 2 due to errors in intraoperative interpretation. Both intraoperative interpretation errors involved a diagnosis of lobular breast carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of imprint cytology are similar to that of frozen section evaluation. Imprint cytology is therefore a viable alternative to frozen sectioning when intraoperative evaluation is required. If SLN micrometastasis is used to determine the need for further lymphadenectomy, more sensitive intraoperative methods will be needed to avoid a second operation.

Adult↗

Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for metastatic breast carcinoma by imprint cytology.

BACKGROUND: The increasing utilization of lymphatic mapping techniques for breast carcinoma has made intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes attractive. Axillary lymph node dissection can be performed during the initial surgery if the sentinel lymph node is positive, potentially avoiding a second operative procedure. At present the optimal technique for rapid sentinel lymph node assessment has not been determined. Both frozen sectioning and intraoperative imprint cytology are used for rapid intraoperative sentinel lymph node evaluation at many institutions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate experience with imprint cytology for intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of the intraoperative imprint cytology results of 678 sentinel lymph node mappings for breast carcinoma was performed. Sentinel nodes were evaluated intraoperatively by either bisecting or slicing the sentinel node into 4 mm sections. Imprints were made of each cut surface and stained with H&E and/or Diff-Quik. Permanent sections were evaluated with up to four H&E stained levels and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. Intraoperative imprint cytology results were compared with final histologic results. RESULTS: The sensitivity of imprint cytology was 53%, specificity was 98%, positive predictive value was 94%, negative predictive value was 82% and accuracy was 84%. The sensitivity for detecting macrometastases (more than 2mm) was significantly better than for detecting micrometastases (<or=2 mm), 81 versus 21%, respectively (P < 00001). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of imprint cytology are similar to that of intraoperative frozen section evaluation. Imprint cytology is therefore a viable alternative to frozen sectioning when intraoperative evaluation is required. If sentinel lymph node micrometastasis is used to determine the need for further lymphadenectomy, more sensitive intraoperative methods will be needed to avoid a second operation.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Parathyroid surgery: separating promise from reality.

We set out to determine the accuracy in predicting the success of biochemical and localizing studies for use in a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Preoperative sestamibi scans, intraoperative gamma-probe examinations, and intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) monitoring were performed on a prospective cohort of patients. Seventy-one patients were included in the study. Of the 59 patients (83%) with primary HPT, adenoma localization by sestamibi scanning was correct in 95% with solitary adenomas, but was correct in only 25% of the 14 patients with multiple adenomas. In patients with secondary and tertiary disease, sestamibi scanning incorrectly identified a single hot spot in 64% of cases. In no case of hyperplasia was the probe useful in locating other glands after a single gland was removed. IOPTH was accurate in 78% of patients with primary disease and in only 45% of patients with nonprimary disease. A minimal approach can be considered in a select group of patients that does not have familial primary HPT, secondary or tertiary disease, coexisting thyroid pathology, or an equivocal sestamibi scan. Only patients with a positive single hot spot on sestamibi scan can be considered candidates. Using this criteria only 64% of all patients with hyperparathyroidism are candidates for a minimally invasive approach. The combination of a solitary hot spot on sestamibi scan and a fall in IOPTH allows the surgeon to make the correct decision regarding the need to convert to a bilateral approach in 93% of these selected patients.

Adult↗

Breast cancer recurrences in elderly patients after lumpectomy.

Approximately half of breast cancers occur in women 65 years or older. Some studies suggest that breast cancer may be a more indolent disease in this group of patients. Debate exists over the appropriate treatment of these women as they are significantly underrepresented in breast cancer research studies. As a result of comorbid conditions and patient refusal many are often treated less aggressively than their younger counterparts. This study investigated the recurrence rate in elderly breast cancer patients who had undergone lumpectomy as their primary treatment at our institution. A chart review was conducted on breast cancer patients treated from January 1, 1995 through September 26, 2000 with lumpectomy performed at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Study criteria included female gender and age greater than 65 years, first incidence of breast cancer, no evidence of distant disease at presentation, and availability follow-up assessed by clinical examination and mammogram records. Clinical and pathological features and treatments were evaluated. The Cox proportional-hazards model, Fisher's exact test, and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. One hundred thirteen patients met study criteria. The stage distribution was as follows: stage 0 (T(IS)), 16 per cent; stage I, 56 per cent; stage IIA, 24 per cent; and stage IIB, 4 per cent. With a median follow up of 30 months six (5%) patients developed locoregional recurrence, four (4%) developed contralateral cancer, and two patients (2%) developed distant disease. Mean time to recurrence was 21 months. No patient has died of breast cancer, but one patient died of a second malignancy. Radiation therapy and tamoxifen decreased recurrence as compared with no adjuvant treatment or with adjuvant radiation only (P < 0.05). We conclude that patients treated with tamoxifen and radiation therapy had a significantly smaller risk of recurrences than those treated with lumpectomy only or those receiving radiation alone. This supports similar treatment patterns recommended for younger patients. Women over 65 years of age should be carefully evaluated for adjuvant therapy.

Aged↗

Positron emission mammography: initial clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of high-risk mammograms represents an enormous clinical challenge. Functional breast imaging coupled with mammography (positron emission mammography [PEM]) could improve imaging of such lesions. A prospective study was performed using PEM in women scheduled for stereotactic breast biopsy. METHODS: Patients were recruited from the surgical clinic. Patients were injected with 10 mCi of 2-[18F] fluorodeoxyglucose. One hour later, patients were positioned on the stereotactic biopsy table, imaged with a PEM scanner, and a stereotactic biopsy was performed. Imaging was reviewed and compared with pathologic results. RESULTS: There were 18 lesions in 16 patients. PEM images were analyzed by drawing a region of interest at the biopsy site and comparing the count density in the region of interest with the background. A lesion-to-background ratio >2.5 appeared to be a robust indicator of malignancy and yielded a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 91%, and overall diagnostic accuracy of 89%. No adverse events were associated with the PEM imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that PEM is safe, feasible, and has an encouraging accuracy rate in this initial experience. Lesion-to-background ratios >2.5 were found to be a useful threshold value for identifying positive (malignant) results. This study supports the further development of PEM.

Adult↗