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.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 12,443 |
| 2000-2009 | 6,485 |
| 2010-2019 | 7,437 |
| 2020 onward | 3,364 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 3,303 | 11.1% |
| Meta-analyses | 168 | 0.6% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 390 | 1.3% |
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.
Deciphering the spatial landscape and plasticity of immunosuppressive fibroblasts in breast cancer [1]
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]
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]
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]
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]
- Research article Worldwide prevalence of oral lichen planus: A systematic review and meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Ductal carcinoma in situ: to treat or not to treat, that is the question [7]
- Research article Oral epithelial dysplasia: Recognition, grading and clinical significance [8]
- 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]
- Research article Partial Breast Irradiation for Patients With Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline [10]
References
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Odell E, Kujan O, Warnakulasuriya S, Sloan P. Oral epithelial dysplasia: Recognition, grading and clinical significance. Oral Dis. 2021. PMID 34418233 · DOI
- 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
- 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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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.