Breast cancer

Breast cancer is another diagnostic focus of the Institute, both in terms of clinical pathology and research into tumor biology. With regard to clinical pathology, the Institute is used as a consultation and reference center for rare breast tumors. It has also been organizing the nationwide round robin tests for quality assurance in the determination of tumour biology parameters in breast cancer for many years. In addition, it is involved in the preparation of the pathology section of the main guidelines (AGO recommendations, S3 guideline) for the treatment of breast cancer.

M. Christgen's working group was able to establish and characterize the first cell line of a lobular breast carcinoma. This cell line forms the basis for the investigation of the molecular pathogenesis of lobular breast carcinoma and resistance to anti-hormonal therapy.

The Institute works closely with the West German Study Group and is the reference institution for large therapy studies such as

  • Plan B study
  • Adapt study.

Selected publications:

Christgen M, Noskowicz M, Schipper E, Christgen H, Heil C, Krech T, Länger F, Kreipe H, Lehmann U. Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations in lobular breast cancer progression. Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2013 Jan;52(1):69-80.

Christgen M, Noskowicz M, Heil C, Schipper E, Christgen H, Geffers R, Kreipe H, Lehmann U. IPH-926 lobular breast cancer cells harbor a p53 mutant with temperature-sensitive functional activity and allow for profiling of p53-responsive genes. Lab Invest. 2012 Nov;92(11):1635-47.

Christgen M, Harbeck N, Gluz O, Nitz U, Kreipe HH. Recognition and handling of discordant negative human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 classification by Oncotype DX in patients with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Sep 10;30(26):3313-4

Bockmeyer CL, Christgen M, Müller M, Fischer S, Ahrens P, Länger F, Kreipe H, Lehmann U.MicroRNA profiles of healthy basal and luminal mammary epithelial cells are distinct and reflected in different breast cancer subtypes.Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2011 Dec;130(3):735-45.

Christgen M, Bruchhardt H, Hadamitzky C, Rudolph C, Steinemann D, Gadzicki D, Hasemeier B, Römermann D, Focken T, Krech T, Ballmaier M, Schlegelberger B, Kreipe H, Lehmann U. Comprehensive genetic and functional characterization of IPH-926: a novel CDH1-null tumour cell line from human lobular breast cancer. J Pathol. 2009 Apr;217(5):620-32.