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Slovakia has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer among the developed countries, ranking as the second highest in the incidence of this disease for men worldwide. Despite the significant burden on both quality of life and the healthcare system this disease imposes, data on molecular analysis of biomarkers in CRC-diagnosed patients is scarce. In our study, we analyzed confirmed CRC patients from the database of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and evaluated the presence of 4 biomarkers in tumor tissues. Altogether, 83 FFPE tumor tissues from CRC patients listed in the NCI database were analyzed for microsatellite instability status, presence of BRAF and KRAS/NRAS mutations, and neoplastic cell percentage in tissue samples. We identified 4 MSI-high samples, 39 KRAS/NRAS mutations, and 5 BRAF p.V600E mutations, with one case of coexistence of all three markers in a single tumor sample. We also evaluated possible relationships between biomarkers, their coexistence, and the age and sex of the studied population.

Standardized monitoring of BCR::ABL1 mRNA levels is essential for the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. From 2016 to 2021 the European Treatment and Outcome Study for CML (EUTOS) explored the use of secondary, lyophilized cell-based BCR::ABL1 reference panels traceable to the World Health Organization primary reference material to standardize and validate local laboratory tests. Panels were used to assign and validate conversion factors (CFs) to the International Scale and assess the ability of laboratories to assess deep molecular response (DMR). The study also explored aspects of internal quality control. The percentage of EUTOS reference laboratories (n = 50) with CFs validated as optimal or satisfactory increased from 67.5% to 97.6% and 36.4% to 91.7% for ABL1 and GUSB, respectively, during the study period and 98% of laboratories were able to detect MR 4.5 in most samples. Laboratories with unvalidated CFs had a higher coefficient of variation for BCR::ABL1 IS and some laboratories had a limit of blank greater than zero which could affect the accurate reporting of DMR. Our study indicates that secondary reference panels can be used effectively to obtain and validate CFs in a manner equivalent to sample exchange and can also be used to monitor additional aspects of quality assurance., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Desmoid-type fibromatosis is locally aggressive tumor rare in general population, although commonly present in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, significantly contributing to the morbidity and mortality of patients. To optimize and individualize the management of patients it is necessary to better understand the biology of these tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis of β-catenin, VEGF, hormone receptors ERβ, ERα and PR, COX-2, APC protein, EGFR, c-kit (CD117), bcl-2 and HER2 expression, potential therapeutic targets, was carried out on 15 archival biopsy samples together with APC gene mutational screening. β-catenin expression was found in all samples, with over 73% showing high range positivity, however with no prognostic significance. Non-specific cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin was observed FAP-associated cases lacking CTNNB1 mutations. Hormone receptor status demonstrated expression of ERβ in 93% of lesions, without detectable ERα or PR. Distinct COX-2 expression of variable intensity was present in all but one desmoid-type fibromatosis case. All lesions demonstrated intense VEGF positivity. Immunoreactivity for the APC protein was found only in 4 cases associated with FAP. No EGFR, HER2, bcl-2 or c-kit expression was detected in any sample. Expression of β-catenin, VEGF, ERβ, COX-2 in high number of cases suggests a potential as future therapeutic targets in desmoid-type fibromatosis.