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CD99/MIC-2 surface protein expression in breast carcinomas.
F Milanezi1, E M Pereira, F V Ferreira
1Institute of Pathology and Molecular Immunology of Porto University (IPATIMUP), Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n 4200 Porto, Portugal.
Histopathology
|March 21, 2002
Summary
CD99/MIC-2 protein is expressed in invasive breast carcinomas, particularly in matrix-producing metaplastic types. This finding limits its diagnostic utility for differentiating breast carcinomas from sarcomas and suggests no prognostic significance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cancer Biomarkers
Background:
- CD99/MIC-2 is a surface protein with potential roles in cell adhesion and differentiation.
- Its expression patterns in various breast carcinoma subtypes require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CD99/MIC-2 surface protein expression in invasive breast carcinomas.
- To determine any correlation between CD99/MIC-2 expression and tumor phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of 35 invasive breast carcinomas, including 5 metaplastic carcinomas, using CD99 primary antibodies.
- Standard streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method was employed.
Main Results:
- CD99/MIC-2 protein expression was observed in 4 out of 5 metaplastic carcinomas, with 3 being matrix-producing.
- Only one invasive apocrine carcinoma showed positivity among the remaining 30 cases.
- No statistical correlation was found between CD99 expression and histological type, grade, proliferation index, or nodal status.
Conclusions:
- CD99/MIC-2 is expressed in breast carcinomas, notably in matrix-producing metaplastic subtypes.
- Its expression complicates differentiation from primary and metastatic breast sarcomas.
- CD99/MIC-2 appears to lack prognostic implications but may relate to morphological differentiation, similar to other chondromyxoid tumors.