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p53 and c-kit (CD117) protein expression as prognostic indicators in breast phyllodes tumors: a tissue microarray
Puay-Hoon Tan1, Thiyagarajan Jayabaskar, George Yip
1Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. gpttph@sgh.com.sg
Summary
Predicting breast phyllodes tumor behavior is challenging. Stromal CD117 protein expression, but not p53, may help predict recurrent phyllodes tumors, aiding in patient management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Breast phyllodes tumors are fibroepithelial neoplasms with unpredictable clinical behavior.
- Histological assessment alone has limitations in predicting tumor outcomes.
- Limited data exists on the role of biological markers in phyllodes tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of p53 and CD117 (c-kit) protein expression in breast phyllodes tumors.
- To correlate protein expression with tumor behavior, including grade and recurrence.
- To evaluate the utility of immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays for large-scale analysis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry for p53 and CD117 was performed on tissue microarrays from 335 phyllodes tumors.
- Staining proportion and intensity were analyzed in epithelial and stromal elements.
- Tumor grade and recurrence data were correlated with protein expression levels.
Main Results:
- Stromal p53 and CD117 protein expression correlated with tumor grade.
- CD117 stromal staining was significantly associated with recurrent disease (P<0.05).
- p53 stromal expression did not correlate with recurrence, though it may support histologic malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Tissue microarrays offer an efficient method for evaluating protein expression in numerous phyllodes tumors.
- Stromal CD117 expression is a potential predictor of recurrent phyllodes tumors.
- While p53 may indicate malignancy, CD117 is more valuable for predicting disease recurrence.