Expression of luminal and basal cytokeratins in human breast carcinoma

• DOI: 10.1002/path.1559
• Publication Date: 2004-05-03T07:00:42Z
• Authors: Dalia M Abd El‐Rehim; Sarah E Pinder; Claire E Paish; J Bell; RW Blamey; John FR Robertson; Robert I Nicholson; Ian O Ellis
• Keywords: Basal (medicine); Tissue microarray; Clinical Significance; Keratin 8

We have examined basal and luminal cell cytokeratin expression in 1944 cases of invasive breast carcinoma, using tissue microarray (TMA) technology, to determine the frequency each subtype, their relationships prognostic relevance, if any. Expression was determined by immunocytochemistry staining antibodies cytokeratins (CKs) 7/8, 18 19 markers CK 5/6 14. Additionally, assessment alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) oestrogen receptor status (ER) performed. The vast majority showed positivity for indicating a differentiated glandular phenotype, finding associated with good prognosis, ER older patient age. In contrast, marker significantly related poor negativity younger Multivariate analysis that an independent indicator relapse free interval. were able subgroup into four distinct phenotype categories (pure luminal, mixed luminal/basal, pure null), which had significant differences relation biological features clinical course disease. Tumours classified as expressing (the combined plus basal) subgroup, typically negative most cases. These findings provide further evidence cancer has differentiation subclasses both relevance.