Expression of p53, c-erbB-2 and cathepsin D in relation to hormone receptors in primary breast cancer.

ABSTRACT

The immunohistochemical expression of p53, c-erbB-2, and cathepsin D oncogene proteins was examined in 494 primary breast carcinomas. This study aimed to investigate an association of expression of these three proteins with other variables known to be related to poor prognosis as well as with 5-year disease free survival (DFS). P53, c-erbB-2, and cathepsin D alone or in combination was negatively correlated with the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer tissues. Alteration of these oncogenes rendering an expression of the proteins may affect the synthesis of steroid receptor proteins during the course of breast cancers. However, their significance as predictors of 5- year DFS was not achieved in this group of patients. Lymph node invasion was the only independent indicator for recurrent or metastatic breast carcinoma.