Telomerase activity in phyllodes tumours

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.