Related Experiment Videos
Vimentin expression in breast carcinomas
1Department of Pathology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. srniveditha@hotmail.com
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|March 18, 2004
Summary
Vimentin expression in breast cancer indicates aggressive tumors. This study found vimentin positive tumors were larger, poorly differentiated, and receptor negative, suggesting a poorer prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Epithelial malignancies can express mesenchymal markers, influencing prognosis.
- Vimentin is a mesenchymal marker implicated in tumor progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vimentin expression in breast carcinomas.
- To correlate vimentin expression with clinical and histopathological parameters.
Main Methods:
- Fifty cases of breast carcinoma were analyzed for vimentin expression.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect vimentin.
- Statistical analysis correlated vimentin status with tumor characteristics.
Main Results:
- Eighteen percent (9/50) of breast carcinomas expressed vimentin.
- Vimentin-positive tumors were larger (mean 5.43 cm), higher TNM stage, poorly differentiated, and had high mitotic rates.
- Vimentin-positive tumors were predominantly Estrogen and Progesterone receptor-negative.
- Vimentin expression was observed even in some well and moderately differentiated tumors.
- Metastasis and muscle infiltration were noted in some vimentin-positive cases.
Conclusions:
- Vimentin expression is associated with aggressive biological behavior in breast cancer.
- Vimentin may serve as a prognostic indicator for aggressive breast carcinomas.