The mitotic count is the most frequent reason for discordance between pathologists in modified Bloom and Richardson (mBR) scoring. Recently, the phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) immunohistochemical stain has been proposed as a potential surrogate marker for mitotic figures. This study examines the differences between H&E mitotic count, PHH3 mitotic count, and Ki-67 index in invasive breast carcinoma. A retrospective review of invasive breast carcinoma cases from 2013- 2014 was performed. H&E and PHH3 mitotic counts were assigned a mitotic score of 1 to 3 using mBR criteria. Ki-67 index was categorized into a three-grade system: <10% (low), 10 - <20% (intermediate), and >20% (high). A total of 451 cases were evaluated. PHH3 versus H&E mitotic count changed mBR scores in 24% of cases, upgrading in 23% and downgrading in 1%. A total of 431 cases had both Ki-67 and PHH3 available for comparison. Both H&E and PHH3 mitotic scores correlated with Ki-67 in 51% of cases; however, PHH3 had better correlation. We conclude that PHH3 in breast carcinoma allows for a more sensitive and practical approach in the identification of mitotic figures. PHH3 IHC is useful as a confirmatory tool in assessing the final mitotic score for more accurate mBR scoring and grading. In this study, 48 out of 451 (10.6%) of patients had a significant upgrade that may change the patient's treatment plans, including the addition of chemotherapy Show less

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. In the United States, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In Puerto Rico between 2008 and 2012, breast cancer was the most diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. This is a case of 54 years old female diagnosed with stage IV right breast carcinoma. The patient complaints were weakness and a right breast ulcer. She started a metabolic correction therapy, which consisted of high intravenous vitamin C infusions, a nutritional supplementation plan, and Paleolithic diet. During treatment, both Glycohemoglobin and Carcinoembryonic Antigen levels decreased significantly, the right breast ulcer decreased in size, and the patient’s quality of life improved. Over the years, vitamin C studies have demonstrated a cytotoxic action against malignant cells. Based on the results from this case, we advocate continue studying possible adjuvant treatments for cancer patients, involving IV infusions of vitamin C and metabolic correction plans. Show less

Background In Brunei Darussalam, cancer has been the leading cause of death, and breast cancer as the leading cause of death among women. With a nationally-funded cancer treatment, it is essential to determine the survival rates among breast cancer patients which can serve as a basis for comparison across timelines with the end view of improving healthcare delivery, hence, survival among the patient population. Methods This study was conducted from January – May 2019. Medical records data were abstracted for breast cancer patients treated between years 2011-2016 in a tertiary specialist cancer center. Kaplan-Meier Product Limit estimation was used for the over-all observed survival rates within 5 years after diagnosis. STATA Version 15 was used for statistical analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Results Over-all, five-year breast cancer survival rates was favorable at 88.89%. . Survival rates according to TNM staging showed lowest at stage IV at 59% five-year survival. Survival rates according to age at the time of diagnosis showed favorable survival across age groups except for age groups 30-39 years and 80 years old and above. Survival rates according to treatment combinations were highest in surgery (mastectomy) and hormonal therapy. Conclusions The Center’s 5-year breast cancer survival rates were relatively high and comparable to survival figures of developed countries. The Center’s high survival rates could have been related to the ‘treatment factors’ due to the following: prompt treatment of early stage breast cancer stages, responsive coordination, government-funded cancer treatment which allowed patients uninterrupted, free access to standard treatment. Show less