Mast Cell Density and Prognostic Factors in Breast Carcinoma Study

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Comparison of Mast Cell Density and Prognostic Factors in Invasive Breast Carcinoma: A Single-Centre Study in Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Norashikin Awang Ahmad, Shau Kong Lai, Roslina Suboh, Huzlinda Hussin


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Comparison of Mast Cell Density and Prognostic Factors in Invasive Breast Carcinoma: A Single-Centre Study in Malaysia

Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.5.7

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Invasive breast carcinoma remains a significant health concern, being the most common cancer diagnosed in women and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 2.1 million new cases were reported globally in 2018, with a notable prevalence in Malaysia, where breast cancer accounts for 32.1% of all cancer cases among women. Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for managing breast cancer patients, optimizing treatment strategies, and designing clinical trials. This study specifically investigates the role of stromal mast cells in breast carcinoma, exploring their density in relation to various demographic and clinical prognostic parameters.

The Role of Mast Cells in Tumor Dynamics

Mast cells, important components of the immune system within the tumor microenvironment, can exhibit dual roles—either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. Their influence is based on cytokine secretion and interactions with other immune cells, presenting a complex relationship with tumor progression. Previous studies have indicated that higher mast cell densities may correlate with favorable prognostic indicators, such as positive hormone receptor status and lower tumor grades. However, contrasting findings suggest that high mast cell counts may also be associated with aggressive tumor features, thereby complicating their role as a reliable prognostic marker. Despite this dichotomy in understanding, the current investigation found no significant differences in stromal mast cell density across various prognostic groups, suggesting that these cells may not have a clear influence on tumor growth in the study population.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the complexity surrounding the role of stromal mast cells in invasive breast carcinoma. Despite their well-documented functions within the immune landscape of tumors, this research did not establish a significant correlation between mast cell density and known prognostic factors. As such, the role of mast cells in influencing breast cancer progression remains unclear, indicating the need for further investigations with larger sample sizes and diverse populations. Future studies may provide deeper insights into how these immune cells interact with breast carcinoma and potentially contribute to individualized treatment approaches.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What role do mast cells play in breast cancer?

Mast cells can influence tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis through their contributions to immune responses in the tumor microenvironment, showing both protective and harmful roles in cancer progression.

What methods were used to study mast cells in breast carcinoma?

The study utilized CD117 (c-KIT) antibodies to stain and count mast cells in 160 formalin-fixed invasive breast carcinoma tissue samples, analyzing mast cell density using high magnification microscopy.

What were the demographics of the study participants?

The majority of participants were 40 years old or older (92.5%) and of Malay ethnicity (66.3%). The most prevalent subtype was invasive carcinoma of no special type (80.6%).

What were the study's conclusions about mast cells in breast cancer?

The study concluded that stromal mast cells do not significantly impact tumor growth in invasive breast carcinoma, suggesting no clear role in promoting or preventing cancer progression.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Mast Cell Density and Prognostic Factors in Breast Carcinoma Study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Mast:
Mast cells are immune cells that play a crucial role in allergic responses and inflammation. In the context of cancer, they influence tumor growth and immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. The role of mast cells can be dual, potentially promoting or inhibiting cancer progression, making them a subject of study in various cancers, including breast carcinoma.

2) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division. It can affect various parts of the body, leading to malignant tumors. Understanding cancer mechanisms, including the interactions of immune cells like mast cells, is essential for developing effective treatments and improving prognoses for patients.

3) Study (Studying):
A study in this context refers to the systematic investigation of the role of mast cells in invasive breast carcinoma. Such research is vital for advancing knowledge in the field of oncology, particularly regarding prognostic factors impacting patient outcomes and the underlying mechanisms of tumor growth and immune interactions.

4) Table:
In scientific literature, a table may present data related to demographics, prognostic factors, and statistical analyses of study outcomes. Tables are crucial for summarizing findings, such as mast cell density in this study, making complex information more accessible and facilitating comparisons across various patient groups.

5) Disease:
A disease is a pathological condition resulting from various factors, including genetic mutations, infections, or environmental influences. In the context of this study, breast cancer represents a significant public health concern, necessitating ongoing research to understand its mechanisms and improve treatment options for affected individuals.

6) Pur:
The term 'poor' often describes unfavorable conditions or outcomes. In this study, 'poor' may relate to prognostic factors indicating adverse effects on patient survival, such as low mast cell density, tumor size, or other metrics of disease progression that could predict a patient's health trajectory.

7) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone treatment modality for many cancers, involving the use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Understanding how mast cells interact with chemotherapy responses is important for developing strategies that enhance treatment efficacy and minimize resistance, thereby improving overall patient outcomes.

8) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological functions of mast cells within the tumor microenvironment. Their activity can influence tumor behavior, immune response, and the overall fate of cancer progression, whether it be promoting or inhibiting tumor development, which is crucial for therapeutic strategies.

9) Khatri:
Khatri refers to researchers who investigate specific areas of cancer biology, such as the role of mast cells in tumors. Their work contributes to the understanding of cancer mechanisms and may involve assessing how immune cells impact tumor progression and treatment responses in breast cancer.

10) Field:
Field denotes a specific area of scientific study or research, such as oncology or immunology. In the context of this study, the field reflects the interdisciplinary nature of cancer research, which involves insights from pathology, immunology, and patient care to understand diseases like breast cancer more comprehensively.

11) Mutation:
Mutations are alterations in the DNA sequence of cells, which can lead to cancer by disrupting normal regulatory processes. In researching breast cancer, understanding the types and roles of mutations aids in deciphering tumor behavior, guiding potential personalized therapies based on a patient's unique genetic landscape.

12) Meeting:
Meeting, particularly in a scientific context, indicates gatherings where researchers share findings, collaborate, and advance scientific knowledge. Such meetings foster network development, dissemination of research like this study, and discussions on emerging concepts in cancer research and treatment strategies among scholars and practitioners.

13) Rajput:
Rajput likely refers to a researcher whose work in oncology contributes to the understanding of mast cells in breast cancer. Their research may provide insights into the role of immune cells within tumors and their interactions, adding to the collective knowledge that informs treatment approaches.

14) Rampal:
Rampal represents another contributor to breast cancer research, focusing on clinical or biological aspects that impact patient outcomes. In the context of the study, their insights into the relationship between mast cell density and breast cancer prognosis can offer valuable information for treatment strategies.

15) Putra:
Putra refers to a research organization or institution that supports studies like the one discussed. It typically aligns with academic and scientific advancements, providing resources, funding, and collaborative opportunities for researchers seeking to improve cancer treatment outcomes through rigorous investigations.

16) Kumar:
Kumar is a name associated with prominent researchers in cancer studies. Their findings may relate to cellular behaviors influenced by immune responses, including how mast cells interact with tumor cells, ultimately affecting cancer progression and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

17) Barua:
Barua indicates a researcher whose focus may reflect on mechanisms of cancer progression or treatment resistance. Their contributions to understanding the interplay between mast cells and tumor environments are essential in uncovering the complexity of immune influences in breast cancer.

18) Nayak:
Nayak represents a researcher involved in studies focusing on the role of immunological factors in cancer. Their work, like others in the context of this study, enhances the understanding of how immune cells like mast cells can impact both tumor growth and treatment efficacy.

19) Rules:
Rules in the research context could pertain to the methodologies, ethical guidelines, or statistical principles governing the design and analysis of studies. Adhering to rigorous rules ensures that findings are valid, reproducible, and contribute meaningfully to scientific discourse.

20) Sang:
Sang identifies a contributor to scientific literature in cancer research, particularly focusing on immune microenvironments in breast cancer. Exploring how immune cells affect cancer progression is critical for developing effective therapeutic strategies tailored to individual patients' tumor biology.

21) Chan:
Chan signifies another researcher whose findings in breast cancer may elucidate the connections between immune response and tumor behavior. Their contributions to the literature help frame the larger picture of how mast cells interact with tumor processes, influencing treatment decisions.

22) Discussion:
Discussion sections in scientific papers serve to interpret results, contextualize findings within existing literature, and propose future research directions. In this study, discussion of the findings regarding mast cells in breast cancer is essential for understanding their role in prognosis.

23) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes a systematic pursuit of knowledge involving observation, experimentation, and analysis. The scientific exploration into the relationship between mast cells and cancer contributes to innovative therapies and enhances the understanding of disease mechanisms, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.

24) Knowledge:
Knowledge in the scientific context refers to the accumulation of understanding derived from research findings. The insights gained from this study regarding mast cells' role in breast cancer can inform clinical practices and further investigations, enhancing overall patient management.

25) Account:
An account in scientific literature relates to documentation of research findings and observations. Providing an accurate account of the study's methods, data, and conclusions is vital to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and the advancement of research knowledge in breast cancer.

26) Killing (Killed):
Killing refers to the ability of immune cells, including mast cells, to induce apoptotic processes in cancer cells. Understanding this aspect of immune response is crucial in evaluating potential therapeutic strategies and how these cells can be harnessed or modulated in cancer treatment.

27) Death:
Death in the context of cancer research refers to the outcome of cancer progression or treatment efficacy. Understanding factors influencing mortality, including immune cell interactions, is crucial for developing intervention strategies and improving the prognostics of cancers like breast cancer.

28) Post:
Post may refer to the dissemination of research findings, such as articles or presentations following a study. The sharing of results helps inform the scientific community, encourages collaborative research, and contributes to ongoing advancements in the understanding of cancer treatment and patient care.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Mast Cell Density and Prognostic Factors in Breast Carcinoma Study’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Prognosis, Protective role, Breast cancer, Result, Conflict of interest, Statistical analysis, Sample size, P Value, Demographic Data, Extracellular matrix, Immune response, Angiogenesis, Histopathological report, Vascular endothelial growth factor, False-positive, Natural Killer cells, Oral submucous fibrosis, Cell differentiation, Cell proliferation, Immunoglobulin E, Interleukin-6, Cancer patients, Tumorigenesis, Inflammatory response, Interquartile Range, Malignant cells, Metastasis, T cell, Demographic factors, Melanocyte, Study findings, Breast carcinoma, Tumor progression, HER2 expression, Progesterone receptor, Histological type, Anti-tumour activity, Adaptive immune response, Innate immune response, Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Cell growth, Metastatic disease, Platelet-derived growth factor, Dendritic cells, Interleukin -8, Invasive breast carcinoma, Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, Prognostic Factor, False Negative, Growth factor, Invasive ductal carcinoma, Invasive breast cancer, Breast tissue, Cell adhesion, Invasive carcinoma, NK cell, Histological grade, Internal control, Prognostic significance, Malignant Tumour, Proteolytic Enzyme, Immunohistochemical Staining, Toluidine blue, Alcian blue, Nerve Growth Factor, Haematoxylin and eosin, Lymph node metastasis, Neo-angiogenesis, Neoplastic Cells, Tumour size, Tumour microenvironment, Mann Whitney U, Poor outcome, Tumour cells, Hormone receptor status, Cytotoxic T cells, Lymphovascular invasion, Interleukin-10, Paraffin embedded tissue, Oestrogen and progesterone, Tumour development, Poster presentation, Oral lesion, Mast cell density, Stromal cells, Haematopoietic stem cells, Tumour growth, Mast cell, Tissue blocks, Study material, Cell density, Cytokine, Cytolytic activity.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Data, Study, Favourable prognosis, Favorable prognosis, Local study, Article.

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