Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: correlation between histologic classifications and biologic markers

The expression of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone), c-erb-B2 (neu), p53, and Ki-67) was studied by immunohistochemical analysis in a series of 94 carcinomas in situ of the breast. The tumors were classified in two (high grade vs. low grade) and three (high grade vs. intermediate grade vs. low grade) categories. High-grade carcinomas were well defined by biologic markers showing statistically significant differences for all of the parameters tested. No clear biologic distinction, however, between low-grade and intermediate-grade cancers could be obtained. Negative progesterone receptors and a high proliferative index are the best discriminant parameters for the final assignment of doubtful cases.