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Volume 39, Issue 2, 2025

Online ISSN: 3042-3511

ISSN: 3042-3503

Volume 39 , Issue 2, (2025)

Published: 12.11.2025.

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Contents

01.04.2018.

Plenary oral presentation

Alterations of hormone receptors and HER2 receptors status in HER2 amplified locally advanced breast carcinomas after neoadjuvant therapy with Trastuzumab

Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate status of estrogen and progesteron hormone receptors (ER and PR), and HER2 receptors in diagnostic core biopsy specimens, compared to surgical resection specimens of the same patients after NAC regimens all including trastuzumab. Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is associated with phenotypic alteration in breast carcinoma, especially with the change of molecular phenotype through the modulation of hormone and HER2 receptors expression. Material and Methods: The study included 35 patients with HER2-amplified locally advanced breast carcinoma that were treated with NAC regimens that included trastuzumab, and which had receptors status determined on pre-NAC core biopsy, and on surgical specimen after the completion of the therapy. Results: Pathological complete response (pCR) was observed in 4 cases (11.4%), while partial response to therapy was noted in 31 cases (88.6%). Invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (NST) was the most common histological type in 27 cases (87.1%), while the most common histological grade (HG) was HG3 in 27 cases (87.1%). There were no noted changes in histological type or grade of the carcinoma. The rates of ER and PR receptors positivity on diagnostic core biopsy compared to post-NAC surgical resection specimens were 61.29% to 67.74% and 48.39% to 64,52%, respectively. HER2 receptors status changed from positive to negative in 2 cases (6,45%). Conclusion: Changes in status of the receptors in breast carcinoma after NAC is significant due to implications in tailored therapy approach, and subsequent modification of adjuvant therapy regimens.

Bojan Radovanovic, Tijana Vasiljevic, Nenad Šolajic, Zoran Nikin, Dragana Tegeltija, Vladimir Zecev, Tatjana Ivkovic-Kapicl

01.04.2018.

Special Session: Residents Session

Flow cytometry: a solution in diagnosis of life threatening pediatric NonHodgkin lymphomas

Aim: Evaluation of the usefulness of flow cytometry (FCM) serous effusion analysis in a diagnosis of pediatric Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Introduction: Serous effusions are often the first, life-threatening manifestation of pediatric NHL. FCM immunophenotyping of effusions with cytological analysis could help in diagnosis of NHL, and thus enable fast initiating of cytoreductive therapy. Material and Methods: FCM analysis of serous effusions obtained from 17 children and adolescents hospitalized in Mother and Child Healthcare Institute of Serbia under clinical suspicion of NHL using the standardized panel of monoclonal antibodies: CD19, iCD79a, CD20, CD10, iIgM, kappa/lambda, iCD3, sCD3, CD7, CD2, CD5, CD4, CD8, CD1a. Cytological examination was performed on May-Grunwald-Giemsa stained slides. The results were correlated with histopathological findings of available tumor biopsies. Results: Precursor T-cell (T-III/T-IV) phenotype was confirmed in 5 samples. In 7/9 samples with mature B (B-IV) phenotype, FAB L3 cytomorphology indicated Burkitt lymphoma (BL), and in 2/8 suggested diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Tumor biopsy was available in 7/14 patients and in all cases preliminary diagnosis was confirmed. In 3 patients with no malignant cells in effusions, FCM and cytomorphologicaly only reactive changes were observed, and diagnosis had to be made by tumor biopsy (BL 2 patients, DLBCL 1 patient). Out of 7 patients diagnosed only by FCM and cytological analysis, 6 achieved a remission of the illness. Conclusion: FCM detects NHL cells in malignant serous effusions fast and accurate. In combination with cytological analysis, FCM is sufficient for diagnosis in most cases, allowing rapid initiation of therapy.

Nemanja Mitrovic, Gordana Samardzija, Slavisa Djuricic, Tatjana Terzic, Milos Kuzmanovic, Dragomir Djokic, Bojana Slavkovic

01.04.2018.

Plenary oral presentation

Malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report

Aim: We present an unusual case of malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor filling the entire abdominal cavity. Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Small tumors are generally benign, but large tumors disseminate to the liver, omentum and peritoneal cavity. They rarely occur in other abdominal organs. Material and Metods: The operative material consisted of segment of ileum where a tumor mass of 8 cm was found originating from the wall and fragments of small intestinal serosa and omentum where multiple nodular tumor mases were found. Representative samples were taken, and were paraffin embedded and stained routinely with Hematoxyllin-Eosin. Additionally immunohistochemical analyses were performed using the antibodies c-kit, CD34, Vimentin, CKAE1/AE3, Ki67 and others. Results: Microscopic analysis revealed a malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor with a high mitotic rate of 58/50 HPF mitoses. However clinical reports stated that an additional large 12 cm tumor mass was found in the liver that was not removed. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common gastrointestinal mesenchymal neoplasms but presence of multiple tumor masses on various organs and sites is rare. Presence of multiple tumors in various organs brings about the issues of possibility of multiple primaries or the proper detection of the original tumor mass.

Vanja Filipovski, Katerina Kubelka-Sabit, Dzengis Jasar

01.04.2018.

Plenary oral presentation

Immunohistochemistry and “in situ” hybridisation as complementary methods in molecular subtyping of breast carcinomas: a 10 months period, single institution experience

Aim: The aim of the study is to classify tumors into four main molecular subtypes using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation methods, as well as to determine frequency of different carcinoma subtypes. Introduction: Four molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma can be identified: Luminal A and Luminal B (hormone receptors positive), HER2 enriched (HER2 overexpression) and Triple Negative / Basal-like (absence of HER2 amplification and steroid receptors expression). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study, conducted in Institute of pathology, Medical Faculty, University in Belgrade, during the ten months period in 2017, included 337 patients with diagnosed breast carcinoma. Using the methods of immunohistochemistry, all four markers (estrogen, progesteron, HER2, and Ki67) were evaluated on breast carcinoma tissues. As additional methods, “in situ” hybridisation (FISH, SISH) was used in cases if HER2 oncoprotein results on immunohistochemistry were equivocal. Results: Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2 enriched, and Triple Negative carcinomas were present in 133 (39,45%), 147 (43,62%), 22 (6,5%), 34 (10,08%) cases, respectively. For 55 (16,35%) cases, in situ hybridisation had been done in order to classify carcinomas in proper molecular subtype. Conclusion: Frequency of molecular subtypes of breast carcinomas in our study are similar to literature data for European countries. Breast carcinoma subtyping has prognostic and predictive values for further patient treatment, and should be done in institutions with adequately trained personnel and equipment, in order to achive best results in the shortest time.

Dusko Dunderovic, Svetisla Tatic, Jasmina Markovic Lipkovski, Sanja Cirovic, Martina Bosic, Emilija Manojlovic Gacic

01.04.2018.

Plenary oral presentation

Assessment of angiogenesis expression of colorectal cancer by computer-assisted histopathological ImageJ analysis

Assessment of relationship between density, perimeter and endothelial surface (“endothelial area”, EA) of vascular spaces (VS) using “ImageJ” analysis and morphological characteristics of adenocarcinoma. Introduction: Colorectal adenocarcinoma invasion involves complex reaction of tumor cells and stroma, whereas angiogenesis is essential for metastatic potential. Material and Methods: 70 resected specimens were reviewed. For each adenocarcinoma histological grade, pathological stage, lymphatic, venous and perineural invasion, growth pattern, metastases in lymph nodes and liver were determined. For visualization of vascular endothelial cells immunohistochemical staining CD31 antibody was used. From each tumor nine fields were photographed: three from invasive front, three from VS highest density and three selected randomly. Computer analysis of images was done using program “ImageJ”. For analysis of EA (EA representing surface area of CD31 positive endothelial cells) program recalculated them as percentage of tested fields (% area). VS density was shown as number VS per 1mm2, while perimeter of VS was shown in Results of all parameters were compared with all above described morphological characteristics. Results: There was no significant correlation between density and perimeter of VS and any of histopathological findings. EA from randomly chosen fields (minimum 0,69%, maximum 10,11%, p=0,016) correlates with the presence of venous invasion. There was no significant correlation between EA from the invasive front and areas of the highest density and any of the histopathological findings. Conclusion: Assessment of vascular endothelial surface area is only vascular parameter which positively correlates with prognostic parameters that could indicate worse outcome.

Ivana Tufegdžić, Miloš Zaric, Snezana Jancic

01.04.2018.

Plenary oral presentation

Acrylamide-silent killer?

Aim: The goal was to examine the effects of direct exposure of stomach tissue to  acrylamide. Introduction: Acrylamide is a toxic chemical substance discovered in foods rich in starch, prepared at high temperatures. Material and Methods: The research was carried out 6 groups of 5 experimental animals (Wistar rats). Two control groups orally implicated distilled water. Two experimental groups orally administrated PLENARNE USMENE PREZENTACIJE 21 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. acrylamide in a daily dose of 25 mg/kg, and two dose of 50 mg/kg. Three groups were sacrificed after 24h and three after 72h, On histological gastric tissue material is applied qualitative and semi-quantitative histological analysis, stereological measurements of individual compartments of the stomach wall, linear measuring the number of mast cells in the mucosa and submucosa. Results: Slight damage of the surface epithelium, accompanying mild inflammatory reaction and degranulation of mast cells are results of histological damages in the stomach tissue. Reconstruction of the epithelium follows directly toxic effect on epithelium, and it is confirmed by the presence of immature form of mucoproductive cells. Examined inflammatory and degenerative parameters show a positive correlation with respect to dose and/or a time of exposition to acrylamide. Conclusion: Understanding the mechanism of action of acrylamide allows to apply adequate prevention and make an appropriate choice of therapeutic methods.

Jelena Ilic Sabo, Djolai Matilda, Jelena Amidzic, Aleksandra Levakov Fejsa

01.04.2018.

Special Session: Residents Session

Detection of co-expression of ATRX and HIF-1alfa in renal tumors - pilot study

Aim: To investigate co-expression of ATRX and HIF-1α in kidney neoplasm in relation to its origin. Introduction: A heterogenous group of kidney tumors is believed to arise from a variety of specialized cells along the nephron – proximal tubules [Clear cell Renal Cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and papillary RCC (pRCC)] and collecting tubules [chromophobe RCC (chRCC) and oncocytoma]. ATP-dependent helicase (ATRX) is a chromatin remodeling protein involved in gene regulation and aberrant DNA methylation during cancerogenesis. Activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) is an early event in most RCC following inactivation of the VHL tumor suppressor gene. Material and Methods: A total of 46 kidney tumors (n=33 ccRCC, n=1 mRCC, n=4 pRCC, n=5 chRCC and n=3 oncocytomas) was immunohistochemically analyzed for ATRX and HIF-1α expression. Results: Diffuse and focal positivity of ATRX expression was found in 51.5% of ccRCC, while 54.5% had HIF-1α positivity. Co-expression of ATRX/HIF-1α was not related to nuclear grade and stage of ccRCC. Metastatic ccRCC had strong expression of both markers. pRCC type II showed weak ATRX/HIF-1α expression, while pRCC type I was negative for both markers. Interestingly, all analyzed oncocytomas and chromophobe RCC were negative for ATRX/HIF-1α. Conclusion: Our results suggest that signaling pathways have different patterns of activation/suppression of ATRX/HIF-1α in oncocytomas and chRCC compared to other RCC types. Downregulation or loss of ATRX/HIF-1α coexpression in benign tumors should be further investigated in order to determinate mechanisms of ATRX/ HIF-1α signaling transport renal neoplasm with different origin.

Gorana Nikolic, Sanja Cirovic, Sanja Radojevic Skodric

01.04.2018.

Special Session: Residents Session

Histopathological analysis of the enteric nervous system in children with constipation

Aim: Determination of frequency of patologic findings and types of pathologic findings in enteric nerve plexus (ENP) in colon biopsies in children with impaired bowel motility, specifically chronic constipation. Introduction: Chronic constipation is relatively common in children, and is most often a functional disorder that is responsive to dietary regime treatment. Rarely, some cases require biopsy and histopathologic analysis of ENP. Materials and Methods: Research consists of 299 colon biopsies taken from children with impaired bowel motility. Biopsies were analysed in Institute of pathology, Medical faculty in Belgrade, in the period of time from the year 2008 to 2018. Data analysis included standard methods of descriptive and analytic statistics. Results: Number of analysed biopsies was 588. Biopsies were taken from 184(61,5%) boys and 115(38,5%) girls. Most common referral diagnosis for biopsy was Hirschspung’s disease (HD) (153/299, 51,2%). Pathologic changes in ENP were found in 46,1% of patients (138/299). Histopathologic analysis confirmed clinical suspicion for HD in 48,4%(74/153) of patients. Most frequent pathologic finding secondary to HD were immature ganglion cells (26/299, 8,7%), ectopic position of ganglia in muscle layer of colonic wall (6/299, 2%), and unclassified dysganglioses (5/299, 1,7%). In six patients, cause of constipation was eosinophilic proctitis and/or mienteric ganglionitis. Acetilcholin esterase as diagnositic metod was applied in 29 patients. Immunohistochemical analises were used in 24 patients. Conclusion: HD and immaturity of ganglion cells are by far most frequently diagnosed causes of constipation in colon biopsies in pediatric patients. Eosinophilic proctitis and/or mienteric ganglionitis are rare causes of constipation in children.

Jovan Jevtic, Milica Skender Gazibara, Sanja Sindic Antunovic, Marija Lukac, Dragana Vujevic, Milos Lazic, Radmila Jankovic

01.04.2018.

Special Session: Residents Session

Gaucher disease in association with soft tissue sarcoma: a case report

Introduction: GD is the commonest lysosomal storage disease worldwide. The majority of the patients have Type1 GD which is the non-neuronopathic form of disease. There are data of increased risk of cancer in GD patients, such as: multiple myeloma and other haematological malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma and renal carcinoma. Factors of cancerogenesis in GD are accumulation of bioactive lipids, alternatively activated macrophages, immune dysregulation, genetic modifiers underlying the GD, splenectomy and enzyme replacement therapy. Extra-osseous soft tissue masses are described in GD patients, like localised deposition od Gaucher macrophages (Gaucheroma). To the best of our knowledge, no other case of extra-osseous soft tissue sarcoma in association with GD has been described in literature. To present very rare case of high grade leiomiosarcoma in association with Gaucher disease (GD). Case report: The case concerns 81 years old female with leucopenia and thrombocytopenia since year 2000. In 2014 she was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma with prominent inflammation on her thigh, which was not completely surgically removed. She was diagnosed with leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly in 2014 on control examination. Bone marrow biopsy was performed and histologically and immunohistochemically was diagnosed GD. The diagnosis was confirmed by enzyme activity test. In 2018 revision of pathohistological finding of thigh tumour was performed. High grade leiomiosarcoma was diagnosed. She is alive and refuses any treatment. Conclusion: GD is rarely diagnosed in older age. All soft tissue masses in GD should be carefully examined because of increased risk of cancer in GD patients.

Novica Boricic, Tatjana Terzic, Jelena Sopta, Nada Suvajzic-Vukovic

01.04.2018.

Special Session: Residents Session

Early changes in the neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus in 5xFAD transgenic mice model of Alzheimer s disease

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Sox1 and Sox2 transcriptional factors in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus in 8 weeks old 5xFAD mice. Introduction: Transgenic 5xFAD mice represent a model of Alzheimer s disease (AD) characterized by an early deposition of amyloid plaques which disrupt the process of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Certain transcriptional factors such as SoxB1 transcriptional factors are involved in the process of adult neurogenesis, but their roles in neurodegenerative disorders are not fully understood. Material and Methods: Transgenic mice of both genders and their respective non-transgenic controls (n=6 per group) were used in the study. Proliferating cells and immature neurons were detected by their immunohistochemical expression of Ki67 and doublecortin, while neuronal stem/precursor cells were identified by the expression of Sox1 and Sox2 proteins. Immunohistochemistry and counting were performed on hippocampal paraffin sections. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that 5xFAD mice in the SGZ of the hippocampus have significantly lower numbers of Sox1 immunoreactive cells, while Sox2 immunoreactive cells were lower only in female 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, we have detected a decrease in the number of newly formed neurons in male transgenic mice, while the number of proliferating cells was unchanged when compared to non-transgenic controls. Conclusion: The results of our study show that early changes in the neurogenesis in 5xFAD model occur despite the preserved proliferative potential in the SGZ. Our results clearly indicate the importance of SoxB1 transcriptional factors in the early phases of AD.

Ivan Zaletel, Milka Perovic, Mirna Jovanovic, Marija Schwirtlich, Milena Stevanovic, Selma Kanazir, Nela Puskas

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