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Emerging knowledge of the normal breast cell types has led to the hypothesis that the subtypes of breast cancer might arise from mutations or genetic rearrangements that occur in different populations of stem cells and progenitor cells. The authors of this Review describe the common distinguishing features of these breast cancer subtypes and explain how these relate both to prognosis and to selection of the most appropriate therapy.
Despite recent advances in the field of medical and radiation oncology, and the introduction of neoadjuvant and adjuvant regimens, surgery remains the single most important modality for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This Review discusses the technical improvements that have made pancreatic surgery safe, with low morbidity and mortality rates in tertiary referral centers, and it highlights the challenges of surgical palliation.
The molecular mechanisms that underpin angiogenesis in breast cancer are becoming clearer, particularly in relation to hypoxia. Some established therapies including tamoxifen and trastuzumab might function, in part, by suppressing angiogenesis. The authors of this Review discuss the potential of components of the angiogenic pathway as prognostic and predictive factors in breast cancer, and comment on the challenges facing the clinical development and optimum use of these agents.
Small-cell carcinomas of the prostate or high-grade prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation are often lethal phenotypes with no direct pathognomonic symptoms. This article presents the case of a 52-year-old man diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer and small-cell/neuroendocrine features who was managed with transurethral resection, androgen blockade, total pelvic exenteration, nephrostomy placement, and chemotherapy. The author highlights the treatment and management course in such patients and the need for early diagnosis of this aggressive type of tumor.
