C-KIT expression in breast carcinoma and its correlation with TNM stage, grade and expression of ER, PR, HER2/NEU& BRCA1

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the c-kit (CD117) expression and its prognostic valueinvasive breast carcinoma and also to correlate its expression with grade of the tumor, TNM staging, ER, PR, Her2/neu & BRCA1 immunomarkers. Materials and methods: Our study was conducted from July 2011 to December 2012 in a tertiary care hospital, during this period we received a total of 80 modified radical mastectomy specimens of which ER, PR, Her2/neu and BRCA1 were done is 29 cases. Clicinopathological factors were evaluated in detail for these cases, C-Kit expression was analyzed by immunohischemistry method using Quick’s score and correlated with grade of the tumor, TNM staging, ER, PR, Her2/neu & BRCA1 markers. Results: Highest incidence of breast carcinoma was noted in 30 to 40 years of age group and 68.9% were below 50 years of age. Majority of the tumors were of high grade and of T2 stage, accounting to 72.5 % and 65.5% respectively, Lymph node metastasis was noted majorly in N2 category (41.3 %) and none showed distant metastasis. On molecular classification, majority of the tumors were of luminal A type followed by triple negative of 41.4% and 20.6 % respectively. 24.2 % of all the cases expressed C-kit among invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, higher grade, high tumor size, Luminal A and triple negative cases of molecular classification. Lack of C-kit expression was observed majorly in less than 50 years of age group, less tumor size &lymph node metastasis, Luminal B and HER2/Neu positive types on molecular classification. Statistical correlation was attained between C- Kit expression and ER, PR negativity and Her2/Neu positivity. Conclusion: C-Kit (CD117) expression needs to be assessed routinely for all invasive breast carcinoma, either negative or positive will have its prognostic and therapeutic implications respectively.