THE EXPRESSION OF BASAL CYTOKERATINS IN BREAST CANCERS
Abstract
Introduction: Treatment for breast cancer is based on the expression of the immunomarkers such as ER, PR, and HER2/neu. Cases which are negative to all the three immunomarkers are called Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) and they have a poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that some of the TNBCs express cytokeratins CK 5/6 (subcategorizing them as basal-like breast cancers) and these respond well to anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Aim and Objectives: To study the expression of basal cytokeratins CK 5/6 in breast carcinomas reported in our center and to correlate with histological type, grade, size, clinical features and ER, PR and HER2/neu status.
Methods: Tissues of 44 cases of breast carcinoma diagnosed between June 2009 and May 2014 were retrieved. Immunohistochemical staining for CK 5/6 was done and it was correlated with parameters such as histopathological type, grade, size, invasion and ER, PR and HER2/neu status.
Results: Eight of the breast carcinomas (18%) were categorized as Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) as they were negative for ER, PR, and HER2/neu. Four of the TNBCs (50%), were positive for CK 5/6. The significant statistical correlation was observed between the size of a tumor and positive CK 5/6 expression. All CK 5/6 positive cases were of high grade.
Conclusion: The routine use of CK 5/6 is recommended in all cases of TNBCs, as 50% of them are positive for these markers. Patients in this subcategory could benefit from anthracyclinebased chemotherapy.
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References
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