Telomerase activity in phyllodes tumours.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Department of Surgery, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, Smithfield, UK.
K
K
Mokbel
M
M
Ghilchik
C N
CN
Parris
R F
RF
Newbold
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D003557:Phyllodes Tumor / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D019098:Telomerase / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019098:Telomerase