Loss of FHIT expression in breast cancer is correlated with poor prognostic markers.

OBJECTIVE: The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene is a putative tumor suppressor gene that is thought to be involved in the carcinogenesis of breast cancer. Loss of FHIT expression has been observed in up to 72% of breast cancers and has been associated with increased p53, a high proliferation index, and increased tumor size and grade. However, loss of FHIT expression has not been investigated in association with apoptosis and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in breast cancer. Furthermore, expression of FHIT in primary breast tumors and their metastatic axillary lymph nodes has also not been previously described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of FHIT, COX-2, bcl-2, and p53 in primary breast tumor tissue; correlate their expression with known clinical and pathologic markers; and in cases when tissue was available, evaluate the expression of FHIT and COX-2 in the corresponding metastatic axillary lymph node in the same patient. METHODS: Primary breast tumor specimens from 80 patients were examined for the presence of FHIT, COX-2, bcl-2, and p53 expression by immunohistochemistry using standard methods. When tissue was available, the expression of FHIT and COX-2 was also evaluated in the corresponding metastatic axillary lymph node specimen. RESULTS: FHIT expression in primary breast tumors was 56%. There was a significant correlation between FHIT expression in primary breast tumor and bcl-2 expression (P = 0.017). We also observed a significant inverse correlation between FHIT expression in primary breast tumor tissue and p53 expression (P = 0.023) in lymph node-negative cases. A significant inverse correlation between FHIT expression in the primary tumor and Ki-67 (P = 0.009) was also observed in lymph node-negative cases. FHIT expression in primary tumors correlated with FHIT expression in the metastatic lymph node (52.5%; P = 0.001). FHIT expression in primary tumors did not correlate with COX-2 expression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that loss of FHIT expression in breast cancer is associated with poor prognostic features. Furthermore, loss of FHIT expression is also seen in metastatic axillary lymph node. The prognostic and predictive value of these findings needs to be further evaluated in larger trials with longer follow-up.     

Correlation between genetic and biological aspects in primary non-metastatic breast cancers and corresponding synchronous axillary lymph node metastasis

This study investigated the changes, if any, in the level of expression of a well defined panel of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis markers between the primary breast tumor and the corresponding synchronous lymph node metastasis from a population of patients with a comparable disease status, in terms of clinical features, and natural history. Ninety pure invasive ductal carcinomas with 10 or more axillary lymph nodes involved and without evidence of distant metastasis were included in this study. Primary tumor and corresponding metastatic lymph node tissue specimens were evaluated for the expression of Cyclin B1, MMP1 metalloproteinase, ICAM-1, RARβ, Ki67, ER, PgR, p53, bcl-2 and c-erbB2 by immunohistochemistry using standard methods. The bivariate Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a close relationship between primary and matching corresponding metastatic node. A high grade of correlation has been maintained even when staining results where categorized as positive/negative according to each one marker cut-off level of staining expression. We report the most extensive immunohistochemical analysis of biological determinants in a well defined population of patients with invasive ductal carcinomas and involvement of 10 or more axillary nodes and no distant metastasis. We found a close correlation between the primary tumor and corresponding metastatic node in terms of the expression of all 10 of the markers investigated in this study. The not complete concordance observed could be explained by the gene expression modulation by extrinsic factors and by the microenvironment in which the cancer cells reside.     

bcl-2 Expression and apoptosis in primary and metastatic breast carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of bcl-2 and apoptotic index in the progression from primary to metastatic breast carcinoma and their influence on prognosis. METHODS: bcl-2 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and apoptotic index by in situ end-labelling in 116 surgical breast carcinomas and lymph node metastases from 50 patients. RESULTS: bcl-2 was observed in 69 cases (59.4%) of primitive carcinomas and 26 cases (65%) of metastatic breast carcinomas and there was agreement of bcl-2 expression between primary and metastatic sites except in 3 cases. bcl-2 expression was significantly associated with several favourable prognostic features, such as small tumour size (p = 0.03) and oestrogen and progesterone-receptor positivity (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). A high apoptotic index was significantly associated with a number of poor prognostic factors, including poorly differentiated carcinomas, large tumour size, high Ki67 expression and high mitotic count (p < 0.001 in all cases). The mean apoptotic index was higher in lymph node metastasis than in primary carcinomas (1.19 vs. 0.69, p < 0.01). A low bcl-2 expression and a high apoptotic index were significantly associated with short-relapse free survival rates (p = 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively), but only apoptotic extent provided independent prognostic information by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of bcl-2 expression and extent of apoptosis may provide useful prognostic information on breast cancer patients; however while increased apoptosis is strongly associated with the progression from primary carcinomas to lymph node metastases, bcl-2 does not seem to play a significant role in this process.     

Survival of patients with metastatic breast carcinoma: importance of prognostic markers of the primary tumor

BACKGROUND: Women with metastatic breast carcinoma have a highly variable clinical course and outcome. Intrinsic genetic heterogeneity of the primary breast tumor may play a role in this variability and may explain it in part. Therefore, the authors tested the hypothesis that the characteristics of primary breast tumors are important determinants of prognosis and survival in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma. METHODS: The prognostic significance of the biology of the primary tumor for outcome in patients with metastatic breast disease was assessed in 346 patients with lymph node positive breast carcinoma who developed distant, recurrent disease. Traditional prognostic indicators (age, tumor size, number of involved lymph nodes, sites of recurrence, disease free interval [DFI], adjuvant treatments, estrogen receptor [ER] expression, progesterone receptor [PgR] expression, S-phase fraction [SPF], and DNA ploidy), together with three newer biologic markers (c-erbB-2, p53, and bcl-2) were assessed. Sites of recurrence were defined as nonvisceral (bone and locoregional lymph nodes) or visceral (lung, liver, brain, and other organs). RESULTS: The median duration of survival was 17.8 months (95% confidence interval, 15.2-21.5 months). Univariate analysis showed that age > 50 years, visceral disease, and shorter DFI were associated significantly with poor outcome (P < 0.05). In addition, the molecular phenotype of the primary breast tumor was significant, with primary tumors that showed ER negativity and PgR negativity, high SPF, aneuploidy, accumulation of p53 protein, and lower bcl-2 expression, together with c-erbB-2 overexpression, all associated with a poorer clinical outcome (P < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, older age, visceral disease, shorter DFI, PgR negativity, high SPF, and lower bcl-2 expression were significant predictors of worse survival (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to traditional risk factors, bcl-2 negativity was associated significantly with a worse clinical outcome. Biologic features of primary tumors were correlated independently with outcome after first recurrence in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma and may be used as indicators of prognosis in the metastatic setting.     

Prognostic indicators for breast cancer patients with one to three regional lymph node metastases, with special reference to alterations in expression levels of bcl-2, p53 and c-erbB-2 proteins

Patients with primary breast carcinoma with one to three axillary lymph node metastases but without distant metastases (n1-3) in Japan have been shown to have a 10-year disease-free survival rate of > 60%. It would be reasonable to divide n1-3 Japanese breast cancer patients into groups with high- or low-risk for recurrence and to consider post-operative adjuvant therapy. In the present study, we analyzed 228 consecutive Japanese patients with n1-3 breast cancer who underwent radical mastectomy and were followed up for a median time of 11.0 years. The expression of bcl-2, p53 and c-erbB-2 proteins in the primary tumors was examined immunohistochemically and their prognostic roles were also analyzed along with conventional clinicopathologic indicators. bcl-2 expression was correlated with positive estrogen receptor status and inversely correlated with p53, c-erbB-2 and histologic grade. Univariate analysis showed that bcl-2, p53 and c-erbB-2 expression were prognostic indicators of the patient's group as well as node status, histologic grade, tumor size, age at diagnosis, menopausal status and estrogen receptor status. Cox's regression analysis demonstrated that the number of nodes involved, menopausal status, p53 and bcl-2 were independent predictors for overall survival and that histologic grade and the number of nodes involved were independent predictors for disease-free survival. These results suggest that bcl-2 expression in combination with p53 and c-erbB-2 expression, the number of lymph node metastases, histologic grade and menopausal status are useful in selecting subgroups of n1-3 breast cancer patients with good or poor prognoses.      

乳腺癌组织DAPK和p53及Bc1-2表达及其相互关系的研究

目的:检测乳腺癌组织中死亡相关蛋白激酶(DAPK)、p53和Bcl-2表达,探讨DAPK、p53和Bcl-2在乳腺癌组织中的作用及其相互关系。方法:用免疫组化SP法检测42例乳腺增生组织和68例乳腺浸润性癌组织中DAPK、p53和Bcl-2的表达水平,分析它们与乳腺癌临床病理的关系。结果:p53蛋白在乳腺增生组织中的表达为阴性,在乳腺癌组织中阳性表达率为51.5%(35/68);p53的阳性率与乳腺癌的组织学分级、淋巴结转移呈正相关。乳腺癌组织中Bcl-2阳性表达率为69.1%(47/68),明显高于乳腺增生组织;Bcl-2的阳性率与乳腺癌的肿瘤大小、淋巴结转移呈负相关。DAPK在乳腺癌组织中的阳性表达率为42.6%(29/68),明显低于乳腺增生组织;DAPK的阳性率与乳腺癌的病理分型、组织学分级、淋巴结转移、p53及Bcl-2呈负相关。结论:DAPK、p53和Bcl-2蛋白可作为预测乳腺癌生物学行为的参考指标。DAPK可能抑制乳腺癌的侵袭转移,这个作用可能与p53、Bcl-2相关。     

乳腺癌C—erBb—2、p53、ER和PR表达及意义

目的 分析研究C-erBb-2、p53、ER和PR在乳腺癌中的表达与转移及预后关系。方法用免疫组化法测定192例原发乳腺癌各抗体的表达情况。结果 C-erBb-2阳性率为39.1％(75/192),p53阳性率为32.3％(62/192),ER阳性率为47.9％(92/192),PR阳性率为54.2％(104/192)。C-erBb-2、p53随临床分期的递增和淋巴结转移数目的增多,其阳性表达率随之增加,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。ER和PR的阳性表达率则与C-erBb-2、p53呈负相关,但差异无显著性(P>0.05)。C-erBb-2、p53共同阳性表达与淋巴结转移差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论 C-erBb-2、p53是判断乳腺癌预后的有效指标。ER、PR与临床分期、淋巴结转移有一定关系,但不十分明显。     

p53 protein overexpression in infiltrating ductal carcinoma of female breast and its association with lymph node metastasis

Traditionally, prognosis in carcinoma of the breast is evaluated based on size and differentiation of the tumor and status of lymph node metastasis. In addition to these established markers, in this molecular age other parameters such as overexpression of p53, c-erbB-2 and c-myc proteins are increasingly used to assess the prognosis. At present, the prognostic value of the molecular markers, at best, is controversial and conflicting. In this study, we examined 67 infiltrating ductal. carcinomas of female breast with and without lymph node metastasis for p53 protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections to ascertain if p53 positive tumors have greater metastatic potential than p53 negative tumors. In addition, p53 overexpression was also correlated with tumor size, grade, expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and age of the patient to clarify the issue of relevance of p53 overexpression in prognostication, p53 overexpression was observed in 39% of tumors and showed strong correlation only with the histological grade of the tumor. The incidence of p53 overexpression in grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 tumors was 0%, 33% and 58% respectively. Lymph node metastasis was less frequent in tumors that overexpressed p53 protein. Twenty-seven percent of primary tumors with lymph node metastasis showed p53 protein overexpression, in contrast to 44% of tumors without metastasis. No correlation was observed between p53 overexpression and all the other parameters evaluated except progesterone receptor negative status. These results suggest that p53 overexpression is not an independent prognostic indicator and should not be used to predict lymph node metastasis or aggressive behavior of the tumor.     

乳腺球蛋白在术前乳腺癌和腋窝淋巴结细针穿刺吸取组织中的表达及临床意义

目的 探讨乳腺球蛋白（mammaglobin,MAM）在术前乳腺癌及腋窝淋巴结细针穿刺吸取组织中的表达及临床意义.方法 对91例原发性乳腺癌行术前细针穿刺,将吸取的组织制备涂片,采用免疫组织化学方法（EnVision法）检测MAM表达,观察MAM表达与临床病理指标的关系.同时另收集15例原发性肺癌腋窝淋巴结转移患者,分析乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结转移、乳腺癌增生性淋巴结炎和肺癌腋窝淋巴结转移三者间术前腋窝淋巴结MAM表达的区别.统计分析采用χ2检验.结果 在91例原发性乳腺癌患者中MAM的阳性表达率为74.72%（68/91）.MAM的阳性表达与雌激素受体（ER）、孕激素受体（PR）、组织学分级、细胞学分级有关（P〈0.05）,与患者的年龄、肿瘤大小、淋巴结是否转移及HER-2状态无关（P〉0.05）.腋窝淋巴结观察结果显示,MAM在乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结转移患者中呈阳性表达,在乳腺癌增生性腋窝淋巴结炎和肺癌腋窝淋巴结转移患者中均为阴性表达.结论 MAM可表达于原发性和转移性乳腺癌,细针穿刺细胞学检查结合MAM的测定对乳腺癌的诊断及鉴别具有一定辅助判断价值.MAM阳性表达与ER、PR状态、细胞学分级、组织学分级有关,有利于了解肿瘤的生物学指标及判断预后.     

P53 expression in squamous cell carcinomas of the supraglottic larynx and its lymph node metastases: new results for an old question

BACKGROUND: Although p53 overexpression is frequent in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), controversy remains regarding the prognostic significance of that overexpression. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and prognostic significance of p53 expression in HNSCC of the same location, treated in the same way, and with long-term follow-up. METHODS: P53 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 107 consecutive patients (107 primary squamous cell carcinomas of the supraglottic larynx and 46 matched lymph node metastases). All patients underwent surgical resection and bilateral neck dissection. RESULTS: A strong correlation was observed between p53 expression in the primary tumor and in the matched lymph node metastases (P=.0001). P53 overexpression in the lymph nodes was an independent predictor of regional recurrence (P=.027). Likewise, expression of p53 in the lymph nodes correlated significantly with disease-specific survival (P=.018). Five years after treatment, 70% of patients with p53-negative, metastatic lymph nodes remained alive, whereas only 30% of patients with p53-positive lymph nodes remained alive. In multivariate analysis, lymph node status and p53 expression in the lymph nodes remained associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: The current data suggested that, although p53 overexpression is common in supraglottic carcinomas, its expression in the primary tumor is of limited clinical significance. However, the results supported the role of p53 in the lymph node metastases as an independent predictor of regional failure and a poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC. A prospective trial is indicated to validate these findings.     

Bcl-2 expression on fine-needle aspirates from primary breast carcinoma: correlation with other biologic factors.

BACKGROUND: The bcl-2 gene encodes for a protein that is involved in cell death regulation. It frequently is expressed in breast tumors, in which it is associated with favorable prognostic factors. It has been suggested that bcl-2 also may act as a modulator of response to chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy. Because fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy has been established as a reliable method for the diagnosis and biologic characterization of breast carcinoma, we assessed Bcl-2 expression on FNAs from primary breast carcinoma and evaluated its correlations with other prognostic variables. METHODS: Bcl-2, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), p53 protein expression, and Ki-67 growth fraction were evaluated by immunocytochemistry on FNAs from 130 patients with primary breast carcinoma. Nuclear cytologic grade was assessed on FNA smears. RESULTS: Bcl-2 was expressed in 99 of 130 FNAs (76%). Bcl-2 expression was correlated with positive ER (P < 0.001) and PgR (P < 0.001) status and inversely correlated with p53 (P = 0.0036), Ki-67 (P = 0.0073), and nuclear cytologic grade (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bcl-2 expression, evaluated by immunocytochemistry on FNAs from primary breast carcinoma, correlates with favorable prognostic features such as ER and PgR expression, p53 negativity, a low Ki-67 index, and high tumor differentiation. These results are in agreement with those found on histologic samples. As FNA biopsy is used increasingly as a primary tool in the diagnosis of breast carcinoma, Bcl-2 evaluation by immunocytochemistry on FNA may provide, in addition to other biologic variables, useful information for prognostic and predictive purposes, particularly in patients considered to be candidates for neoadjuvant treatments. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) Copyright 1999 American Cancer Society.     

前哨淋巴结阳性早期乳腺癌非前哨淋巴结的组织学检测及临床意义

目的：研究早期乳腺癌患者前哨淋巴结(SLN)阳性时非前哨淋巴结(NSN)转移的可能性及其临床意义。方法：对84例SLN阳性接受乳癌根治术的早期乳腺癌患者的NSN及HER-2免疫组化等进行检测，分析NSN转移的发生率及相关临床因素。结果：SLN阳性患者NSN转移的检出率是48．8％(41／84)，NSN转移与原发肿瘤的大小、SLN转移灶的大小及HER-2的表达状况有关，原发肿瘤直径小于1cm及SLN转移灶小于1mm时NSN无转移，NSN的阳性率随原发肿瘤及SLN转移灶直径的增大而提高，HER-2蛋白阳性者NSN转移率高。结论：原发肿瘤直径小于1cm且SLN转移灶小于1mm时的早期乳腺癌患者可免于腋窝清扫，反之亦然；HER-2阳性患者NSN转移率较高，应考虑腋窝清扫。     

The prognostic value of p53 and c-erbB-2 expression, proliferative activity and angiogenesis in node-negative breast carcinoma

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: p53, c-erbB-2 and Ki-67 protein expression and microvessel density (MVD) determined by CD34 antibody were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters including estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status and survival were investigated in patients with axillary lymph node-negative infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. METHODS: The study population consisted of 47 patients with axillary lymph node-negative infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. RESULTS: p53 and c-erbB-2 expression was detected in 36.2% and 31.9% of patients, respectively. Median Ki-67 expression was 10%. There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of p53, Ki-67 and c-erbB-2 protein expression in relation to the age of the patients or to the size, histological grade or ER and PR status of the tumors. p53 protein expression correlated positively with c-erbB-2 and Ki-67 protein expression (P < 0.05). The mean MVD was 63.65 +/- 29.1 and it correlated positively with histological grade and Ki-67 expression (P < 0.05). Survival analysis revealed that age, tumor size, p53 and c-erbB-2 expression and PR status had no significant prognostic impact, whereas histological grade, proliferative activity and angiogenic activity were significant prognostic factors. Although ER-positive patients had a statistically significant overall survival advantage, the difference in disease-free survival was not significant. CONCLUSION: In axillary lymph node-negative breast carcinoma the histological grade and the proliferative and angiogenic activity of the tumor could be useful prognostic indicators.     

Prognostic value of different factors in breast carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: The aggressive biological behavior of invasive and metastatic cancer is considered to be the most insidious and life-threatening aspect for breast cancer patients. It is mostly the result of changes in many molecular characteristics of tumor cells, including alterations in the mechanisms controlling cell growth and proliferation. AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to identify predictors of aggressive biological behavior and metastatic potential in breast carcinoma among a number of intrinsic biomarkers of tumor cells such as steroid receptors and oncogene and tumor suppressor gene products. METHODS: Routine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples were used and sections were stained immunohistochemically with the DAKO Strept ABC method to determine the expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PgR), HER-2/neu, bcl-2, Ki-67, p53 and nm23 in 192 consecutive breast carcinoma patients. The results of the quantitative immunohistochemical assays were correlated with clinical and histological data such as patient age, overall survival, tumor size, axillary lymph node status, hystological type, tumor grade, Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) and therapeutic regimens. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that survival was significantly longer for patients with small tumors (P = 0.007), lower tumor grade (P = 0.021), negative axillary lymph nodes (P = 0.002), presence of nm23 protein (P = 0.002), and for patients treated with adjuvant hormonal therapy (P = 0.010). In multivariate analysis the independent factors positively affecting survival were absence of axillary lymph node metastases (P = 0.002), nm23 expression (P = 0.009) and hormonal therapy (P = 0.050). Among patients with positive axillary nodes there was a significantly higher survival rate in patients with nm23 expression compared with nm23-negative patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Identification of a subset of node-positive breast cancer patients with a more favorable prognosis according to nm23 expression might be clinically useful.     

Multivariate analysis of bcl-2, apoptosis,P53 and HER-2/neu in breast cancer: a short-term follow-up

BACKGROUND: Several molecular genetic alterations in breast cancer, including aneuploidy, altered apoptosis, aberrant expression of p53, HER-2/neu and Bcl-2, have been associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. To determine the importance of molecular-genetic factors relative to more traditional surgical-pathological prognostic factors, multivariate analysis was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-four fresh tissue samples of primary breast carcinoma were studied with flow cytometry for DNA ploidy. On the same specimens, steroid hormone receptors (ER and PR) were measured in the cytosol fraction using Abbott ELISA assays. HER-2/neu was determined in the membrane fraction and mutant p53 protein in the nuclear fraction, both, by Oncogene Science ELIZA procedures. Bcl-2 and apoptosis (cell death) were measured in cell lysates by Oncogene Science & Boehringer Mannheim ELISA assays. In addition, information regarding surgical-pathological features of the tumor was obtained. Multivariate analysis using an unconditional logistic regression model was done to identify variables predictive of poor prognosis. RESULTS: Using univariate analysis, histological grade, tumor stage, lymph node status, HER-2/neu and mutant p53 were predictive of poor short-term prognosis. By multivariate analysis, tumor stage, lymph node status and HER-2/neu were independent factors. Grade subgroup analysis versus time of relapse, illustrated a predictive value of Bcl-2 in only low-grade tumors while apoptosis was significant in high-grade type. CONCLUSION: Among a panel of molecular-genetic factors investigated, HER-2/neu was the most strongly predictive of poor short-term prognosis in breast cancer. Patients with HER-2/neu-positive tumors can benefit from Herceptin therapy.     

Clinical significance of immunohistochemical Bcl-2 expression in invasive breast carcinoma

The immunohistochemical expression of bcl-2 protein, and its correlations with clinicopathological features and prognosis were studied in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. Bcl-2 positive expression significantly correlated with hormone receptor positivity and histological tumor differentiation, and inversely correlated with p53 overaccumulation. No correlation was observed between bcl-2 expression and patient age, menopausal status, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis. Survivals of stage I to III patients who had not received adjuvant hormonal therapy showed no difference between bcl-2-positive and -negative tumors, even if patients were divided as with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, or with or without nodal involvement. In consequence, immunohistochemical bcl-2-positivity correlates with positive hormone receptors and well differentiated phenotypes in invasive breast carcinoma, however, it might not predict response to adjuvant chemotherapy and not be a favorable predictive value in patients treated without adjuvant hormonal therapy.     

p53 、bcl-2 和CD44v6 蛋白表达与乳腺癌转移的相关性研究

 目的 探讨乳腺癌及癌旁正常乳腺组织中p53、bcl—2和CD44v6蛋白的表达及意义。方法 采用免疫组化法检测96例乳腺癌及其癌旁正常乳腺组织中p53、bcl—2和CD44v6蛋白的表达，并分析其与淋巴结转移和c-erbB-2表达状态的相关性，从而评价这些指标在预测乳腺癌转移方面的价值。结果 正常乳腺组织中p53蛋白为阴性，在乳腺癌中阳性表达率为65．63％；随着组织学分级的增高，阳性率逐渐增高；淋巴结转移组阳性表达率明显高于无淋巴结转移组，并与c-erbB-2表达状态呈正相关。乳腺癌组织中bcl-2阳性表达率明显低于周围正常乳腺组织，随着组织学分级的增高，阳性率逐渐降低，淋巴结转移组中的表达率明显低于淋巴结非转移组，与c-erbB-2的表达呈负相关。CD44v6在乳腺癌组织中的阳性表达率明显高于正常乳腺组织，随着组织学分期的增加，CD44v6的阳性表达率亦增高，但差异无显著性，淋巴结转移组的阳性率略高于无淋巴结转移组，差异也无显著性，与c-erbB-2表达无相关性。结论 p53和bcl-2蛋白可作为预测乳腺癌转移的指标，CD44v6的阳性表达可能与乳腺癌的发生、进展有一定关系，但尚不能把它作为预测乳腺癌转移的稳定的生物学指标。     

PTEN及bcl-2和p53蛋白表达与乳腺癌预后的关系

目的 :探讨新的抑癌基因PTEN在人乳腺癌组织中的表达、与bcl 2、p5 3的相关性及其与乳腺癌临床病理学特征和预后的关系。方法 :采用免疫组化SP法检测62例浸润性乳腺癌 (包括浸润性导管癌、浸润性小叶癌、髓样癌等 )标本中PTEN、bcl 2及p5 3蛋白的表达。结果 :62例乳腺癌标本中PTEN、bcl 2及p5 3阳性表达率分别为 64 5 % ( 4 0 /62 )、5 6 5 % ( 3 5 /62 )及2 7 4% ( 17/62 ) ;PTEN与bcl 2之间不具有相关性 ,P >0 0 5 ;PTEN与p5 3之间显著相关 ,P <0 0 1。乳腺癌PTEN蛋白表达水平与患者年龄、肿瘤组织学类型、肿瘤大小之间差异无统计学意义 ,P >0 0 5 ;与肿瘤细胞学分级、淋巴结有无转移及预后之间差异有统计学意义 ,P <0 0 5 ;PTEN低表达患者肿瘤细胞学分级高、淋巴结转移阳性率高、5年生存率低。结论 :1)抑癌基因PTEN在乳腺癌中确实存在突变或缺失。其表达水平的高低作为判断乳腺肿瘤细胞增殖活性、侵袭力及转移的重要指标。 2 )PTEN与bcl 2协同表达与预后相关 ,可作为乳腺癌预后评估的有效指标。 3 )PTEN突变或缺失可能与p5 3存在一定的相关性 ,但其作用机制有待进一步研究。     

Expression ofbcl-2 protein in breast carcinoma with correlation to expression ofp53 protein and clinicopathological factors

Expression of bcl-2 gene product was examined in 204 breast carcinomas in order to ascertain its clinicopathological significance. The bcl-2 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry on paraffin embedded tissue sections and its presence was confirmed by Western blot analysis of whole cell lysates. A strong positive correlation was noted among expression of bcl-2 protein in carcinoma cells, positivity of progesterone receptor (PR) and expression of p53 protein. However, no correlation could be observed among expression of bcl-2 protein, histological type of carcinoma, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and positivity of estrogen receptor (ER).     

Prognostic significance of apoptosis related gene family bcl-2 in human breast cancer

Bcl-2 family proteins appear to regulate apoptosis,with hcf-2, hcf-xl function as suppressors of apoptosisand bax, hcf-xs as promoters of cell death.ll] Theprognostic significance of these proteins in breast cancerhas been reported, but a comprehensive study is needed.In the present study, we have investigated the expressionof hcf-2, bax, hcf-xl in this multigene family, as regardsto their prognostic value in breast cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODSPatientsNinety-one breast cancer patients …