1.Pattern of lymph node metastasis and p53 abnormal (p53abn) expression in preoperative early-stage endometrial cancer: A 5-year institutional experience.
Angeli Anne C. Ang ; Carolyn R. Zalameda-Castro ; Cecile C. Dungog ; Michele H. Diwa ; Karen Cybelle J. Sotalbo
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(8):98-106
BACKGROUND
Early-stage endometrial cancer often presents with favorable survival rates, but high-risk factors, including TP53 mutations and high-grade serous pathology, can lead to recurrence and poor prognosis. The standard primary treatment for endometrial cancer is surgical staging, and lymph node metastases significantly impact adjuvant therapy decisions. The subgroup of p53-abnormal (p53abn) indicates the worst prognosis and potential benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy. Molecular classification, while recommended, faces practical challenges due to resource constraints.
OBJECTIVESThe study aimed to assess the incidence of p53 abnormal expression in clinical stage 1 endometrial cancer cases that underwent surgery at a government tertiary hospital, and assess its relationship with clinicopathologic factors and pelvic and paraaortic lymph node metastasis (LNM).
METHODSA cross-sectional retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical early-stage endometrial cancer cases that underwent surgical primary treatment between January 2018 and December 2022. Patient records were reviewed to gather demographics, surgical information, and pathological evaluations. Preoperative clinical staging was determined through imaging, and surgical staging involved comprehensive lymphadenectomy. Immunohistochemistry studies for p53 were carried out on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples.
RESULTSA total of 233 endometrial cancer cases were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 53.7 years. Common comorbidities included hypertension (47.2%) and dyslipidemia (20.6%). Most cases were endometrioid histology (82.8%) and low-grade tumors (85.8%). Tumor grade (p=0.010), myometrial invasion (p<0.001) and lymphovascular space invasion (p<0.001) significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis. However, tumor size and p53abn were not significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. p53abn overexpression was significantly associated with non-endometrioid histology at 33% and Grade 3 tumors at 23%. Preoperative grading demonstrated moderate reliability (0.51) with postoperative grading, with an agreement of 65.4%.
CONCLUSIONTumor grade, myometrial invasion, and LVSI were all significantly associated with lymph node involvement. While p53 immunohistochemical stains show promise in predicting metastasis and has been associated with tumor aggressiveness, this should still be correlated with clinicopathological parameters to carry out a more accurate risk stratification of early-stage patients.
Therapeutics ; Survival Rate ; Risk Factors ; Recurrence ; Prognosis ; Pathology ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; Immunohistochemistry ; Tumor Suppressor Protein P53 ; Lymph Node Excision ; Risk Assessment
2.Role of caffeine and ethanol in modulating expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κβ (RANK) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) during orthodontic tooth movement: An in vivo study.
Ardiansyah S. PAWINRU ; Eka ERWANSYAH ; Eddy Heriyanto HABAR ; Abul FAUZI ; AMINULLAH ; Gita GAYATRI ; Yustisia PUSPITASARI ; Ita Purnama ALWI ; Andi Husnul HASANAH
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(8):115-122
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Orthodontic tooth movement is driven by bone remodeling influenced by systemic factors, including caffeine and ethanol. This study aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine and ethanol on the expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κβ (RANK) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG), key bone remodeling biomarkers, during orthodontic tooth movement.
METHODSA laboratory experimental study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats divided into three groups: K1 (orthodontic force only), K2 (force + caffeine), and K3 (force + ethanol). Orthodontic force was applied using Ni-Ti coil springs. Caffeine and ethanol were administered orally daily. On days 7 and 14, maxillary tissues were collected and analyzed via immunohistochemistry for RANK and OPG expression. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Independent Sample T-tests with significance at pRESULTS
Caffeine and ethanol administration increased RANK and OPG expression compared to controls; however, only the ethanol group showed a significant increase in RANK expression on day 14 (p = 0.044). OPG expression was significantly higher in treatment groups at both time points (pCONCLUSION
Caffeine and ethanol modulate bone remodeling marker expression during orthodontic force application, with ethanol significantly increasing RANK expression at later stages. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical implications for orthodontic treatment.
Animals ; Tooth Movement Techniques ; Tooth Movement ; Osteoprotegerin ; Role ; Movement ; Ethanol ; Bone Remodeling ; Caffeine ; Immunohistochemistry
3.Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Prostate in a Young Adult
Xhyrel June Tagaylo ; Jeffrey S So ; Manuel C See IV
Acta Medica Indonesiana 2026;58(1):82-87
Abstract
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a primitive and aggressive soft tissue tumor that arises from premature mesenchymal cells and accounts for less than 1% of prostate malignancies. We present the case of a 26-year-old Filipino male who initially sought consultation and work-up for acute urinary retention. Although his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was normal, a kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) ultrasound revealed an incidental finding of an enlarged prostate gland. Subsequent imaging tests (MRI and CT) identified a large, partially exophytic mass on the prostate with intravesical extension. The patient underwent a biopsy via transurethral resection at another institution, which yielded findings of a poorly differentiated carcinoma, primarily suggesting prostatic adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 10 (5+5). A request for slide review was submitted to our institution, and subsequent immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies—highlighting the tumor's immunoreactivity to myogenin and desmin—confirmed the diagnosis of ERMS. In this report, we discuss the clinical features, pathogenesis, treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis of this rare prostate tumor.
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Prostate
;
Young adult
4.Angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts: A case report and review of literature.
Pia Nenita DUQUE ; Jeffrey SO ; Jose Gabriel GONZALES ; Josefino CASTILLO ; Joseph Vincent SONGCO
Philippine Journal of Pathology 2026;11(1):45-51
Angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts (AMLEC) is a rare subtype of angiomyolipoma that may closely mimic both malignant and benign neoplasms. We report a case of AMLEC in an 18-year-old female presenting with acute flank pain and radiologic suspicion for malignancy. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by AMLEC, emphasizes its characteristic histopathologic and immunohistochemical features, and reviews current concepts regarding its pathogenesis. This case represents the first documented case of AMLEC in the Philippines.
Human ; Angiomyolipoma ; Kidney Neoplasms ; Immunohistochemistry
5.Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid in a healthy elderly male Filipino patient
Jose Christopher C. Tesorero ; George Michael N. Sosuan ; Ruben Lim Bon siong
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-7
Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a chronic bilateral, blinding, cicatrizing form of conjunctivitis with relapsing and remitting periods. It has strong evidence for an immune type II hypersensitivity that leads to subconjunctival fibrosis and extensive systemic bullae formation. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first reported case of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) assay-proven OCP in an elderly Filipino man.
A 68-year-old male presented with bilateral corneal conjunctivalization, symblepharon, ectropion, conjunctival hyperemia testing positive with conjunctival biopsy for basement membrane antibodies with DIF for the left eye, while turning out negative for the right eye. He was managed as a case of OCP, both eyes, and was given topical steroids and antibiotics. Oral Dapsone was started by Dermatology and Rheumatology Services.
OCP is a rare autoimmune and blinding disease. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital as ocular complications permanently affect the quality of life of patients as seen in our patient. DIF assay remains the gold-standard for diagnosis. Systemic immunosuppression is the mainstay of treatment. Adjunctive supportive topical medication may be given to alleviate ocular discomfort. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to provide holistic care to each patient.
Human ; Male ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid ; Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane ; Direct Immunofluorescence Assay ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct
6.Clinical application of a novel quantum dot immunofluorescence method for rapid detection of IgE in nasal secretions in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
Ru GAO ; Tiansheng WANG ; Yu CHEN ; Shasha HUANG ; Rong LI ; Wei LI
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(6):542-547
Objective:This study aims to evaluate the clinical utility of total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) levels in nasal secretions for diagnosing allergic rhinitis. The investigation is enhanced through an improved method of nasal secretion collection and advanced quantum dot immunofluorescence detection technology. Methods:A total of 88 subjects were enrolled in this study, and demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected through standardized questionnaires. Anterior rhinoscope was used to check the local condition of the nasal cavity. Each participant underwent skin prick test(SPT). The total IgE(tIgE) and sIgE in nasal secretions were quantitatively analyzed by improved nasal secretion collection strategy and quantum dot immunofluorescence method, and the correlation between them and clinical symptoms and signs was discussed. The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) was used to calculate the optimum threshold and detection efficiency of total IgE and sIgE in nasal secretions. Results:The improved method successfully collected nasal secretions from all subjects. Based on SPT results, participants were categorized into three groups: normal control (20 cases), non-allergic rhinitis (22 cases), and allergic rhinitis (46 cases). Analysis showed that both tIgE and sIgE levels in nasal secretions correlated with nasal symptoms and signs. A tIgE level of ≥9.42 IU/mL was identified as a cut-off for allergic rhinitis diagnosis, demonstrating an 85.37% agreement with SPT results. Furthermore, cut-off values for house dust mite sIgE (≥0.34 IU/mL) and dermatophagoides Farinae sIgE (≥0.41 IU/mL) yielded a diagnostic agreement of 97.56% with SPT. Notably, two patients in the non-allergic rhinitis group tested negative for SPT but positive for dust mite sIgE in nasal secretions and exhibited positive results in the nasal provocation test, indicating potential local allergic rhinitis. Conclusion:The assessment of tIgE and mite-specific IgE levels in nasal secretions presents a rapid, reliable, and non-invasive approach for diagnosing allergic rhinitis, particularly in cases of local allergic rhinitis.
Humans
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Immunoglobulin E/analysis*
;
Quantum Dots
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Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/immunology*
;
Adolescent
;
Fluorescent Antibody Technique/methods*
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Nasal Mucosa/immunology*
7.Abnormal collagen deposition mediated by cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis.
Yafei XIONG ; Xuechun LI ; Bincan SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiaoshan WU ; Feng GUO
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):25-25
Abnormal accumulation of collagen fibrils is a hallmark feature of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). However, the precise characteristics and underlying mechanisms remain unclear, impeding the advancement of potential therapeutic approaches. Here, we observed that collagen I, the main component of the extracellular matrix, first accumulated in the lamina propria and subsequently in the submucosa of OSF specimens as the disease progressed. Using RNA-seq and Immunofluorescence in OSF specimens, we screened the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) responsible for the abnormal collagen accumulation. Genetic COMP deficiency reduced arecoline-stimulated collagen I deposition significantly in vivo. In comparison, both COMP and collagen I were upregulated under arecoline stimulation in wild-type mice. Human oral buccal mucosal fibroblasts (hBMFs) also exhibited increased secretion of COMP and collagen I after stimulation in vitro. COMP knockdown in hBMFs downregulates arecoline-stimulated collagen I secretion. We further demonstrated that hBMFs present heterogeneous responses to arecoline stimulation, of which COMP-positive fibroblasts secrete more collagen I. Since COMP is a molecular bridge with Fibril-associated collagens with Interrupted Triple helices (FACIT) in the collagen network, we further screened and identified collagen XIV, a FACIT member, co-localizing with both COMP and collagen I. Collagen XIV expression increased under arecoline stimulation in wild-type mice, whereas it was hardly expressed in the Comp-/- mice, even with under stimulation. In summary, we found that COMP may mediates abnormal collagen I deposition by functions with collagen XIV during the progression of OSF, suggesting its potential to be targeted in treating OSF.
Oral Submucous Fibrosis/pathology*
;
Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Humans
;
Fibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Arecoline/pharmacology*
;
Mouth Mucosa/metabolism*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
8.Clinicopathological Features and HOX Transcript Antisense RNA In Situ Hybridization Detection of Myxopapillary Ependymoma.
Yu-Han ZHANG ; Zheng WANG ; LU JUN-LIANG ; Da-Chun ZHAO ; Zhen HUO
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(1):35-41
Objective To summarize the clinicopathological features,immunohistochemical characteristics,HOX transcript antisense RNA(HOTAIR)in situ hybridization status,treatment,and prognosis of myxopapillary ependymoma(MPE). Methods A total of 17 patients diagnosed with MPE based on pathological evidence in the Department of Pathology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2006 to July 2023 were selected,and the clinicopathological data of these patients were collected.Immunohistochemical staining for trimethylation at lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),and epithelial membrane antigen(EMA)and alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff(AB-PAS)staining were performed in all the patients.Sixteen patients with spinal ependymomas were selected as the control group.Tissue microarrays were prepared from 17 MPE patients and the control group.HOTAIR ISH was performed and semi-quantitatively scored,and the scores of the two groups were compared by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results The 17 MPE patients aged 14-64 years,with the mean age of(37.48±16.10)years and the male-to-female ratio of 0.7∶1.Their clinical manifestations mainly included lumbosacral and lower limb pains.Microscopically,tumor cells were arranged in a papillary pattern around fibrovascular axis,with abundant myxoid materials,and tumor cells were arranged in a loose meshwork in some patients.The immunohistochemical staining results showed that 17(100%),10(58.82%),and 8(47.06%)patients expressed GFAP,EMA,and D2-40,respectively,and 2(11.76%)patients lacked expression of H3K27me3.AB-PAS staining showed blue myxoid materials in all the 17(100%)patients.HOTAIR was expressed in both MPE and control groups,with higher semi-quantitative score in the MPE group than in the control group(P=0.004).Twelve patients were followed up,with a median follow-up period of 65.50 months,during which three patients showed recurrence.Conclusions MPE exhibits typical pathological features,and the combination with immunohistochemical staining for GFAP and EMA as well as AB-PAS staining facilitates diagnosis of this disease.A small number of patients loss the expression of H3K27me3.HOTAIR is highly expressed in MPE but lacks specificity,which limits its auxiliary diagnostic value.The overall prognosis of MPE is favorable,with a few patients experiencing recurrence.
Humans
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Ependymoma/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Female
;
Adolescent
;
Middle Aged
;
In Situ Hybridization
;
Young Adult
;
RNA, Antisense/genetics*
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Prognosis
9.Value of Ultrasonographic Features Combined With Immunohistochemistry in Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Middle-Aged Women With Breast Cancer.
Qian-Kun CHANG ; Wen-Ying WU ; Chun-Qiang BAI ; Zhi-Chao DING ; Wei-Fang WANG ; Ming-Han LIU
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(4):550-556
Objective To investigate the value of ultrasonographic features combined with immunohistochemistry in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in middle-aged women with breast cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 827 middle-aged female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University from June 2017 to June 2023.Ultrasonographic and immunohistochemical information was collected,and the patients were randomly allocated into a training set(579 patients)and a validation set(248 patients).Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify ultrasonographic and immunohistochemical risk factors associated with axillary lymph node metastasis in these patients,and a nomogram model was developed.Receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves were established to evaluate the performance of the nomogram model,and clinical decision curves were built to assess the clinical value of the model.Results The maximum diameter,morphology,boundary,calcification,and expression of human epidermal growth facor receptor 2 and Ki-67 in breast cancer lesions were identified as risk factors for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in middle-aged women.The areas under the curve of the nomogram model on the training and validation sets were 0.747(0.707-0.787)and 0.714(0.647-0.780),respectively.Calibration curves and clinical decision curves indicated good consistency and performance of the model.Conclusion The nomogram model constructed based on ultrasonographic features and immunohistochemistry of the primary breast cancer lesion demonstrates high value in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in middle-aged women with breast cancer.
Humans
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Female
;
Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging*
;
Middle Aged
;
Lymphatic Metastasis/diagnostic imaging*
;
Axilla
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Nomograms
;
Ultrasonography
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Lymph Nodes/diagnostic imaging*
;
Risk Factors
;
Ki-67 Antigen
10.Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the salivary gland in an elderly female: A case report supported by EWSR1 molecular studies
Ariane Marielle F. Valle ; Jose Louie D. REmotigue ; Erick Martin H. Yturralde ; Jose M. Carnate jr.
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(5):88-91
Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare neoplasm, accounting for only less than 1% of malignancies arising from the salivary gland. It is molecularly defined by the expression of the EWSR-ATF1 fusion oncogene. To date, there has been no previous studies published yet in the Philippines regarding the existence of this tumor. In this paper, we present a case of a 70-year-old elderly female who had a 10-year history of a gradually enlarging left lateral neck mass. Histopathologic examination showed a tumor arranged of cords, nests, and trabeculae of monomorphic round cells with abundant clear to lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm surrounded by thick hyalinized collagen bundles. Immunohistochemistry and molecular studies were done which revealed a positive p63 staining, negative SMA and S100, and an EWSR1 rearrangement in Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), thus, confirming the diagnosis.
Human ; Female ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Carcinoma ; Immunohistochemistry


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