Transforming growth factor alpha in epithelial proliferative diseases of the breast

To determine at what stage there is increased expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) in preneoplastic diseases of the breast and to determine if this would assist in the histological diagnosis of different intraduct epithelial proliferations.

Specimens were retrieved from the archives of 17 cases of ductal hyperplasia, six cases of atypical ductal hyperplasia and 13 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ together with 12 'normal' breast biopsy specimens. Sections were stained immunohistochemically for TGF alpha. The staining was assessed semi-quantitatively taking into account both the staining intensity and the proportion of cells stained.

Minimal expression of TGF alpha was observed in normal breast tissue. Increased levels of expression were seen in ductal hyperplasia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and ductal carcinoma in situ. Increased levels of expression of TGF alpha were also found in morphologically normal ducts immediately adjacent to areas of intraduct epithelial proliferation.

Increased expression of TGF alpha occurs in the early stages of intraduct epithelial proliferation and will not help the histopathologist distinguish atypical ductal hyperplasia from either ductal hyperplasia or ductal carcinoma in situ. The molecular changes within a cell may precede the morphological changes observed by light microscopy thereby reflecting the biological potential of the epithelium.