Angiogenesis, p53, and c-erbB-2 immunoreactivity and clinicopathological features in male breast cancer

p53, c-erbB-2, and tumor microvascular density have been shown to be potential prognostic tools in female breast cancer. Our objective was to assess the significance of these biomarkers as prognostic factors in infiltrating male breast cancer.

A retrospective study of expression of p53, c-erbB-2, and tumor microvascular density was done on a group of 26 male breast cancer patients. Biotin-streptavidin immunohistochemical study with specific anti-p53, anti-c-erbB-2, and anti-CD34 antibodies was carried out on paraffin sections of breast carcinoma. The data of expression of the biomarkers were merged with clinicopathological data such as tumor grade, T class, TNM stage, estrogen receptor status, tumor recurrence, and patient survival.

p53 and c-erbB-2 were expressed in 46% and 39% of carcinomas, respectively. No correlation was found between positive immunoreactivity of p53, and tumor grade, size, T class, TNM stage, and survival. Nor was any relation found between tumor size, T class, TNM stage, survival, and c-erbB-2 overexpression. c-erbB-2 overexpression was significantly higher in high grade carcinomas. Estrogen receptor (ER) were positive in 21 out of 26 of tumors (81%). No trends were observed between estrogen receptor status and clinicopathological parameters or survival (data not shown). There was a positive correlation between mean microvascular density (MVD), advanced T class, and survival: higher MVD counts were found in patients with advanced tumors and in those who had tumor relapses or died of metastatic disease.

This study suggests that tumor microvascular density may serve as a potential prognostic tool in male breast carcinoma.