[Expression of E-cadherin as related to prognostic factors and survivals in breast cancer]

E-cadherin (E-CD) expression and its clinicopathological implication were investigated in 26 patients with breast cancer by immunohistochemical staining. 12 out of 26 primary lesions (46%) express strong and homogeneous expression of E-cadherin (preserved type), while in 14 cases (54%), degree of E-CD expression was reduced, i.e., 8 patients with heterogeneous staining, 2 cases with weak but homogeneous, and 4 cases with lost expression of E-CD (reduced type). However, there was no statistically significant correlation among decrease of E-CD expression, histological features, and advanced stages of breast cancer. Analysis on survivals showed better prognosis in the group with preserved E-CD expression than without E-CD (follow up was more than 96 months or until death). These findings suggests that the patients with decreased E-CD expression may be associated with metastasis resulting in poor prognosis, and E-CD expression could be one of the prognostic factors.