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Carcinoma in Situ

Cancer and Oncology · NLM MeSH · updated 2026-10-29 · version 1

Citations verified against PubMedNot yet clinician-reviewed10 referencesApproximately 5 min read

A lesion with cytological characteristics associated with invasive carcinoma but the tumor cells are confined to the epithelium of origin, without invasion of the basement membrane.

Table of Contents

1. Definition2. Research landscape3. Reading the evidence4. Open-access studies5. Key reviews6. References7. About this article

Definition and research guide

This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.

Content available: 4 complete abstracts (999 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.

Definition

A lesion with cytological characteristics associated with invasive carcinoma but the tumor cells are confined to the epithelium of origin, without invasion of the basement membrane.

Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.

Also known as: Carcinoma, Intraepithelial; Intraepithelial Carcinoma; Carcinoma, Preinvasive; Preinvasive Carcinoma; Neoplasms, Intraepithelial; Intraepithelial Neoplasm; Neoplasm, Intraepithelial; Intraepithelial Neoplasms.

Where it fits in the MeSH classification

Broader topics
Carcinoma
Narrower topics
Adenocarcinoma in Situ; Breast Carcinoma In Situ; Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Research landscape

PubMed indexes 29,729 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Carcinoma in Situ” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 3,364 of them (11.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 12,443 records.

Reviews account for 3,303 records (11.1%) and meta-analyses for 168. Randomized controlled trials number 390 (1.3%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.

PubMed records by publication periodthrough 1999: 12,443 records; 2000-2009: 6,485 records; 2010-2019: 7,437 records; 2020 onward: 3,364 records12,443through 19996,4852000-20097,4372010-20193,3642020 onward
Records in PubMed indexed with this heading, by publication period. Real counts from NCBI E-utilities; the final period covers only part of the current year. Volume reflects how much has been published, not how strong the evidence is.
Show the data
PeriodRecords
through 199912,443
2000-20096,485
2010-20197,437
2020 onward3,364
Share of records by publication typeReviews: 11.1 percent; Meta-analyses: 0.6 percent; Randomized controlled trials: 1.3 percentReviews11.1% (3,303)Meta-analyses0.6% (168)Randomized controlled trials1.3% (390)
Share of all PubMed records on this heading that carry each publication type. Types overlap with other records, so the shares do not sum to 100%.
Publication-type chart data
Publication types among 29,729 PubMed records
TypeRecordsShare
Reviews3,30311.1%
Meta-analyses1680.6%
Randomized controlled trials3901.3%

Method: PubMed query "Carcinoma in Situ"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.

Reading the evidence in cancer and oncology

Cancer research spans very different kinds of evidence. Laboratory studies in cell lines and animal models reveal mechanisms but often do not translate to patients. Early-phase trials mainly test safety and dosing, while phase 3 randomized trials and their meta-analyses are the usual basis for treatment conclusions. Outcomes also differ in meaning: tumour shrinkage, progression-free survival and overall survival are not interchangeable, and screening studies can be distorted by lead-time and overdiagnosis. When reading a result, check the cancer type and stage studied, the comparison treatment, and which outcome was measured.

Evidence from open-access studies

These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.

Study comparison — selected abstracts, not a systematic review
Study / authorsYearSource label / designEurope PMC citationsLicence / source
Deciphering the spatial landscape and plasticity of immunosuppressive fibroblasts in breast cancer
Croizer H, Mhaidly R, Kieffer Y, Gentric G, Djerroudi L, Leclere R, et al.
2024Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
130cc by
PMID 38561380 · DOI · PMC10984943
Progression from ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive breast cancer: molecular features and clinical significance
Wang J, Li B, Luo M, Huang J, Zhang K, Zheng S, et al.
2024Review article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
111cc by
PMID 38570490 · DOI · PMC10991592
Exosomal long non-coding RNA TRPM2-AS promotes angiogenesis in gallbladder cancer through interacting with PABPC1 to activate NOTCH1 signaling pathway
He Z, Zhong Y, Regmi P, Lv T, Ma W, Wang J, et al.
2024Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
54cc by
PMID 38532427 · DOI · PMC10967197
The Genitourinary Pathology Society and International Society of Urological Pathology Joint Expert Consultation Recommendations on intraductal carcinoma of the prostate
Shah RB, Varma M, Zhou M, Paner GP, Amin MB, Berney DM, et al.
2026Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
9cc by
PMID 41384645 · DOI · PMC12700062

Deciphering the spatial landscape and plasticity of immunosuppressive fibroblasts in breast cancer [1]

Research article Croizer H, Mhaidly R, Kieffer Y, Gentric G, Djerroudi L, Leclere R, et al. · · 2024 · cited 130 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Although heterogeneity of FAP+ Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF) has been described in breast cancer, their plasticity and spatial distribution remain poorly understood.
Closing excerpt
FAP+ CAF subpopulations accumulate differently according to the invasive BC status and predict invasive recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which could help in identifying low-risk DCIS patients eligible for therapeutic de-escalation.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (159 words)

Although heterogeneity of FAP+ Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF) has been described in breast cancer, their plasticity and spatial distribution remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze trajectory inference, deconvolute spatial transcriptomics at single-cell level and perform functional assays to generate a high-resolution integrated map of breast cancer (BC), with a focus on inflammatory and myofibroblastic (iCAF/myCAF) FAP+ CAF clusters. We identify 10 spatially-organized FAP+ CAF-related cellular niches, called EcoCellTypes, which are differentially localized within tumors. Consistent with their spatial organization, cancer cells drive the transition of detoxification-associated iCAF (Detox-iCAF) towards immunosuppressive extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myCAF (ECM-myCAF) via a DPP4- and YAP-dependent mechanism. In turn, ECM-myCAF polarize TREM2+ macrophages, regulatory NK and T cells to induce immunosuppressive EcoCellTypes, while Detox-iCAF are associated with FOLR2+ macrophages in an immuno-protective EcoCellType. FAP+ CAF subpopulations accumulate differently according to the invasive BC status and predict invasive recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which could help in identifying low-risk DCIS patients eligible for therapeutic de-escalation.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38561380 · DOI · PMC10984943

Progression from ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive breast cancer: molecular features and clinical significance [2]

Review article Wang J, Li B, Luo M, Huang J, Zhang K, Zheng S, et al. · · 2024 · cited 111 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) represents pre-invasive breast carcinoma.
Closing excerpt
Research on DCIS has already yielded significant insights into breast carcinogenesis and will continue to pave the way for practical clinical applications.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (206 words)

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) represents pre-invasive breast carcinoma. In untreated cases, 25-60% DCIS progress to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The challenge lies in distinguishing between non-progressive and progressive DCIS, often resulting in over- or under-treatment in many cases. With increasing screen-detected DCIS in these years, the nature of DCIS has aroused worldwide attention. A deeper understanding of the biological nature of DCIS and the molecular journey of the DCIS-IDC transition is crucial for more effective clinical management. Here, we reviewed the key signaling pathways in breast cancer that may contribute to DCIS initiation and progression. We also explored the molecular features of DCIS and IDC, shedding light on the progression of DCIS through both inherent changes within tumor cells and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, valuable research tools utilized in studying DCIS including preclinical models and newer advanced technologies such as single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and artificial intelligence, have been systematically summarized. Further, we thoroughly discussed the clinical advancements in DCIS and IDC, including prognostic biomarkers and clinical managements, with the aim of facilitating more personalized treatment strategies in the future. Research on DCIS has already yielded significant insights into breast carcinogenesis and will continue to pave the way for practical clinical applications.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38570490 · DOI · PMC10991592

Exosomal long non-coding RNA TRPM2-AS promotes angiogenesis in gallbladder cancer through interacting with PABPC1 to activate NOTCH1 signaling pathway [3]

Research article He Z, Zhong Y, Regmi P, Lv T, Ma W, Wang J, et al. · · 2024 · cited 54 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundAbnormal angiogenesis is crucial for gallbladder cancer (GBC) tumor growth and invasion, highlighting the importance of elucidating the mechanisms underlying this process.
Closing excerpt
Targeting TRPM2-AS opens further opportunities for future GBC treatments.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (261 words)

BackgroundAbnormal angiogenesis is crucial for gallbladder cancer (GBC) tumor growth and invasion, highlighting the importance of elucidating the mechanisms underlying this process. LncRNA (long non-coding RNA) is widely involved in the malignancy of GBC. However, conclusive evidence confirming the correlation between lncRNAs and angiogenesis in GBC is lacking.MethodsLncRNA sequencing was performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs. RT-qPCR, western blot, FISH, and immunofluorescence were used to measure TRPM2-AS and NOTCH1 signaling pathway expression in vitro. Mouse xenograft and lung metastasis models were used to evaluate the biological function of TRPM2-AS during angiogenesis in vivo. EDU, transwell, and tube formation assays were used to detect the angiogenic ability of HUVECs. RIP, RAP, RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter system, and mass spectrometry were used to confirm the interaction between TRPM2-AS, IGF2BP2, NUMB, and PABPC1.ResultsTRPM2-AS was upregulated in GBC tissues and was closely related to angiogenesis and poor prognosis in patients with GBC. The high expression level and stability of TRPM2-AS benefited from m6A modification, which is recognized by IGF2BP2. In terms of exerting pro-angiogenic effects, TRPM2-AS loaded with exosomes transported from GBC cells to HUVECs enhanced PABPC1-mediated NUMB expression inhibition, ultimately promoting the activation of the NOTCH1 signaling pathway. PABPC1 inhibited NUMB mRNA expression through interacting with AGO2 and promoted miR-31-5p and miR-146a-5p-mediated the degradation of NUMB mRNA. The NOTCH signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT inhibited GBC tumor angiogenesis, and TRPM2-AS knockdown enhanced this effect.ConclusionsTRPM2-AS is a novel and promising biomarker for GBC angiogenesis that promotes angiogenesis by facilitating the activation of the NOTCH1 signaling pathway. Targeting TRPM2-AS opens further opportunities for future GBC treatments.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38532427 · DOI · PMC10967197

The Genitourinary Pathology Society and International Society of Urological Pathology Joint Expert Consultation Recommendations on intraductal carcinoma of the prostate [4]

Research article Shah RB, Varma M, Zhou M, Paner GP, Amin MB, Berney DM, et al. · · 2026 · cited 9 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Conflicting practice recommendations regarding the grading of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP) from two leading uropathology societies, the Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) and the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), are confusing for both pathologists and treating clinicians.
Closing excerpt
Their adoption should reduce interobserver variation, facilitate consistent communication with clinicians, and improve patient management.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (373 words)

Conflicting practice recommendations regarding the grading of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP) from two leading uropathology societies, the Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) and the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), are confusing for both pathologists and treating clinicians. The objectives of this consultation were to clarify unresolved issues regarding IDCP and atypical intraductal proliferation (AIP) terminology, diagnostic criteria, grading, and management implications, as well as to develop uniform reporting guidelines for IDCP and AIP, endorsed by both societies. A 32-member expert panel, composed of five core members, 25 expert urological pathologists, and two expert urologists, employed a modified Delphi process consisting of multiple rounds of consultation and voting. These were supplemented by discussions at the 2025 United States and Canadian Academy of Pathologists Annual Meeting to achieve expert consensus (defined as at least 67% agreement). Consensus was reached on several key issues. IDCP was regarded most commonly as reflecting the retrograde spread of invasive prostate cancer (PCa). IDCP diagnosis should be based on the Guo and Epstein criteria, supported by basal cell immunohistochemistry in cases that are difficult to distinguish from invasive PCa. The term AIP should be used only in equivocal proliferations where IDCP is favoured but the criteria are not fully met, and these should be reported as 'AIP, suspicious for IDCP'. In the presence of invasive PCa, IDCP should generally be incorporated into Gleason grading irrespective of Grade Group (GG). However, a significant minority (30%) favoured excluding IDCP from the Gleason score if the invasive component was solely Gleason pattern (GP) 3. Pure IDCP (not associated with invasive PCa) and AIP, suspicious for IDCP, should not be graded. IDCP should not be incorporated in the grading of invasive PCa when it is spatially distinct from invasive PCa. A second opinion from a senior or dedicated GU pathologist and discussion within a multidisciplinary management setting should be considered, in the rare settings of pure IDCP or GP3 + IDCP (formerly GG1 + IDCP scenario). This joint GUPS-ISUP consultation provides unified recommendations for the diagnosis, terminology, grading, and reporting of IDCP and AIP, and will pave the way for the development of future IDCP/AIP WHO guidelines. Their adoption should reduce interobserver variation, facilitate consistent communication with clinicians, and improve patient management.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41384645 · DOI · PMC12700062

Key reviews and meta-analyses

The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.

  • Research article European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (Ta, T1, and Carcinoma in Situ) [5]
    Babjuk M, Burger M, Capoun O, Cohen D, Compérat EM, Dominguez Escrig JL, et al. · Eur Urol · 2022 · cited 1,203 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Worldwide prevalence of oral lichen planus: A systematic review and meta-analysis [6]
    González-Moles MÁ, Warnakulasuriya S, González-Ruiz I, González-Ruiz L, Ayén Á, Lenouvel D, et al. · Oral Dis · 2021 · cited 283 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Ductal carcinoma in situ: to treat or not to treat, that is the question [7]
    van Seijen M, Lips EH, Thompson AM, Nik-Zainal S, Futreal A, Hwang ES, et al. · Br J Cancer · 2019 · cited 228 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Oral epithelial dysplasia: Recognition, grading and clinical significance [8]
    Odell E, Kujan O, Warnakulasuriya S, Sloan P · Oral Dis · 2021 · cited 194 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (TaT1 and Carcinoma In Situ)-A Summary of the 2024 Guidelines Update [9]
    Gontero P, Birtle A, Capoun O, Compérat E, Dominguez-Escrig JL, Liedberg F, et al. · Eur Urol · 2024 · cited 188 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Partial Breast Irradiation for Patients With Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline [10]
    Shaitelman SF, Anderson BM, Arthur DW, Bazan JG, Bellon JR, Bradfield L, et al. · Pract Radiat Oncol · 2024 · cited 143 times (Europe PMC)

References

  1. Croizer H, Mhaidly R, Kieffer Y, Gentric G, Djerroudi L, Leclere R, et al.. Deciphering the spatial landscape and plasticity of immunosuppressive fibroblasts in breast cancer. . 2024. PMID 38561380 · DOI · PMC10984943
  2. Wang J, Li B, Luo M, Huang J, Zhang K, Zheng S, et al.. Progression from ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive breast cancer: molecular features and clinical significance. . 2024. PMID 38570490 · DOI · PMC10991592
  3. He Z, Zhong Y, Regmi P, Lv T, Ma W, Wang J, et al.. Exosomal long non-coding RNA TRPM2-AS promotes angiogenesis in gallbladder cancer through interacting with PABPC1 to activate NOTCH1 signaling pathway. . 2024. PMID 38532427 · DOI · PMC10967197
  4. Shah RB, Varma M, Zhou M, Paner GP, Amin MB, Berney DM, et al.. The Genitourinary Pathology Society and International Society of Urological Pathology Joint Expert Consultation Recommendations on intraductal carcinoma of the prostate. . 2026. PMID 41384645 · DOI · PMC12700062
  5. Babjuk M, Burger M, Capoun O, Cohen D, Compérat EM, Dominguez Escrig JL, et al.. European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (Ta, T1, and Carcinoma in Situ). Eur Urol. 2022. PMID 34511303 · DOI
  6. González-Moles MÁ, Warnakulasuriya S, González-Ruiz I, González-Ruiz L, Ayén Á, Lenouvel D, et al.. Worldwide prevalence of oral lichen planus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Dis. 2021. PMID 32144836 · DOI
  7. van Seijen M, Lips EH, Thompson AM, Nik-Zainal S, Futreal A, Hwang ES, et al.. Ductal carcinoma in situ: to treat or not to treat, that is the question. Br J Cancer. 2019. PMID 31285590 · DOI · PMC6697179
  8. Odell E, Kujan O, Warnakulasuriya S, Sloan P. Oral epithelial dysplasia: Recognition, grading and clinical significance. Oral Dis. 2021. PMID 34418233 · DOI
  9. Gontero P, Birtle A, Capoun O, Compérat E, Dominguez-Escrig JL, Liedberg F, et al.. European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (TaT1 and Carcinoma In Situ)-A Summary of the 2024 Guidelines Update. Eur Urol. 2024. PMID 39155194 · DOI
  10. Shaitelman SF, Anderson BM, Arthur DW, Bazan JG, Bellon JR, Bradfield L, et al.. Partial Breast Irradiation for Patients With Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2024. PMID 37977261 · DOI

About this article

Sources
NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
Verification
Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
Review state
automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
Version
1, last updated 2026-10-29.

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At a glance

29,729
PubMed records on this heading
11%
published since 2020
3,303
review articles
390
randomized trials
10
verified references below

Counts come from PubMed on 2026-10-29; they show how much has been written, not how strong the evidence is.

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