Inverse Association of p63 Expression with Hormone Receptor Status in Invasive Breast Cancer

Background/Objectives: Immunohistochemistry is an integral component of the diagnostic approach in breast cancer and remains essential for tumor characterization and therapeutic decision-making. p63 gene expression may have potential diagnostic and prognostic roles in breast cancer patients. Methods: In this study, 127 specimens of invasive breast carcinoma and 50 control cases were evaluated for p63 gene expression and compared to other pathology factors. Results: None of the 50 control cases was assessed as positive for p63 expression. Progesterone and estrogen receptor status were the only factors that demonstrated a statistically significant negative correlation with p63 expression (p = 0.005 and p = 0.017, respectively). Tumor size demonstrated a marginally non-significant correlation with p63 expression (p = 0.051). None of the remaining factors was significantly correlated with p63 expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, p63 expression is inversely correlated with estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and type, size and grade of the tumors are not correlated with the gene's expression, nor is HER2 status. This conclusion might impact genotype-based stratification pertinent to diagnosis and tailored treatment.