ABSTRACT
Objective To study the expression of forkhead box 2(FOXC2)and delta-like liGand 4 (DLL4)in invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC)of breast and the clinical siGnificance. Methods The expression of FOXC2 and DLL4 in l22 cases of IDC(Grade Ⅰ33,Grade Ⅱ40,GradeⅢ 49)were observed by tissue chip and immunohistochemistry. The relationship of the expression with clinicopatholoGical characteristics and between FOXC2 and DLL4 were statistically analyzed. PCR experiment was performed in normal breast tissue,ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS)IDC Grade Ⅰ,Grade Ⅱ and Grade Ⅲ(l0 cases respectively). Results The positive rate of FOXC2 and DLL4 in IDC was 77. 87% and 74. 59% respectively. A hiGher expression was observed in GradeⅢ than in GradeⅠand Ⅱ( P<0. 05 ). The expression of FOXC2 was related to the neGative expression of ER. The expression of DLL4 was related to the tumour size,clinical staGe and lymph node metastasis( P<0. 05). The RCR of FOXC2 and DLL4 were Gradually increased in normal breast tissue,DCIS,IDC GradeⅠ, Grade Ⅱ and Grade Ⅲ(P<0. 05). Moreover the expression of FOXC2 was related to the expression of DLL4(r=0. 233,P=0. 0l0). Conclusion FOXC2 and DLL4 miGht toGether have influence on the proGression and outcome of breast carcinoma,and could be important markers of proGnosis. DLL4 miGht be reGulated by variety of factors includinG FOXC2 at the same time.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and prognosis of matrix-producing metaplastic carcinoma (MPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixteen cases of MPC diagnosed between 2002 and 2012 in West China Hospital were identified. The clinicopathologic features were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin, S-100 protein, CK5/6, HCK, PCK, CK7, CK8, p63, SMA, EMA, CD99, MSA, CK14, EGFR, ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67 was performed with EnVision method. The clinical outcome was evaluated and compared to matched controls of invasive ductal carcinoma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were women and ranged in age from 29 to 69 years (median age 48 years). The median size of primary tumor was 4 cm. Most of the tumors were well-circumscribed with expansile and multinodular appearance. Histology showed invasive carcinoma with a direct transition from carcinoma to cartilaginous/chondromyxoid matrix without an intervening spindle cell component. Tumor distribution was either nodular or diffuse. The matrix component accounted for 10%-80% of the tumor volume. All the tumors were strongly positive for S-100 protein and basal-like cytokeratin with triple negative phenotype (ER, PR and HER2 negative). Alcian blue stain was positive for the cartilaginous/chondromyxoid matrix. Compared with invasive ductal carcinoma, patients with MPC had increased locoregional recurrence (P = 0.010), increased distant recurrence (P = 0.011) and shorter disease-free survival (P = 0.017).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MPC is a rare variant of mammary metaplastic carcinoma with unique characteristics of morphology and immunohistochemical staining pattern. This subtype seems to have aggressive biologic behavior.</p>