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Updated: May 8, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Immunohistochemical profile and morphology in triple - negative breast cancers
Chandrika Rao1, Jayaprakash Shetty, Kishan Hl Prasad
1Lecturer, Department of Pathology, KS Hegde Medical Academy , Deralakatte, Mangalore-575018, India .
Background And Purpose:
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is defined by a lack of expression of the steroid hormone receptors (oestrogen and progesterone), and the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2). It is characterized by distinct molecular, histological and clinical features. It is a high risk breast cancer that lacks the benefit of a specific therapy. Our study was aimed at pathologically illustrating triple-negative breast carcinoma and at evaluating the expression of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) ,cytokeratin 5/6 (CK 5/6) and Ki-67 among triple-negative breast cancer cases. Further, we aimed to probe whether triple-negative phenotype could be a surrogate marker for the basal phenotype and to correlate the expression of the basal markers (CK 5/6 and EGFR) with the clinico-pathological prognostic parameters.
Methods:
The expression of EGFR, CK 5/6 and Ki-67 were studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 50 triple-negative breast cancer cases.
Statistical Analysis:
A statistical analysis was implemented by using the SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-square test was conducted to assess the relationship between the immunohistochemical markers and other variables. The Fischer exact test was used when the expected cell counts were less than 5.
Results:
The women with triple-negative breast cancer were younger, with the adverse pathological characteristics of a high tumour grade, tumour necrosis, frequent nodal metastases and high proliferation. 37 (74%) of the 50 triple-negative breast carcinomas showed the expression of the basal markers (EGFR and /or CK 5/6). We observed a statistically significant association between the basal marker expression and the presence of tumour necrosis.
Conclusion:
The triple-negative breast cancers in our population harbour adverse pathobiological features and a five marker immunohistochemical panel can be reliably used to define the basal-like cancers. The "Triple-negative" status cannot be used as a surrogate for the "basal marker expression".
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) often presents with aggressive features and lacks targeted therapies. While basal markers like EGFR and CK 5/6 are expressed in many TNBC cases, "triple-negative" status is not a reliable substitute for basal marker expression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks expression of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER-2.
- TNBC is an aggressive subtype with distinct clinical and molecular features.
- Currently, TNBC lacks specific targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pathologically characterize triple-negative breast carcinoma.
- To evaluate the expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), cytokeratin 5/6 (CK 5/6), and Ki-67 in TNBC.
- To determine if TNBC is a surrogate for basal phenotype and correlate basal markers with prognostic parameters.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess EGFR, CK 5/6, and Ki-67 expression.
- The study included 50 cases of triple-negative breast cancer.
- Statistical analysis utilized Chi-square and Fischer exact tests.
Main Results:
- TNBC cases were associated with younger age, high tumor grade, necrosis, nodal metastases, and high proliferation.
- Basal markers (EGFR and/or CK 5/6) were expressed in 74% of the TNBC cases.
- A significant association was found between basal marker expression and tumor necrosis.
Conclusions:
- TNBC in this population exhibits adverse pathobiological features.
- A five-marker immunohistochemical panel can reliably identify basal-like cancers.
- Triple-negative status is not a reliable surrogate for basal marker expression.
