AIMS: To investigate telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein that synthesizes telomeres. Recent evidence suggests that telomerase reactivation is associated with the acquisition of immortalization and malignancy. METHODS: Using a sensitive PCR-based assay (the TRAP assay), we examined telomerase activity in two recurrent phyllodes tumours in two patients. RESULTS: Both tumours expressed telomerase activity. Histological examination of the lesions, according to the criteria proposed by Azzopardi and Salvadori, revealed a malignant phyllodes tumour in one patient and a benign phyllodes tumour in the other patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that telomerase activity may have a potential role as a prognostic marker in predicting the clinical behaviour of these rare tumours. Copyright 1999 W.B. Saunders Company Ltd.
AIMS: To investigate telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein that synthesizes telomeres. Recent evidence suggests that telomerase reactivation is associated with the acquisition of immortalization and malignancy. METHODS: Using a sensitive PCR-based assay (the TRAP assay), we examined telomerase activity in two recurrent phyllodestumours in two patients. RESULTS: Both tumours expressed telomerase activity. Histological examination of the lesions, according to the criteria proposed by Azzopardi and Salvadori, revealed a malignant phyllodestumour in one patient and a benign phyllodestumour in the other patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that telomerase activity may have a potential role as a prognostic marker in predicting the clinical behaviour of these rare tumours. Copyright 1999 W.B. Saunders Company Ltd.
Authors: Julia Y S Tsang; Yau-Kam Hui; Michelle A Lee; Maribel Lacambra; Yun-Bi Ni; Sai-Yin Cheung; Cherry Wu; Ava Kwong; Gary M K Tse Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2018-03-01 Impact factor: 4.379