Prognostic Value of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen in Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast

Abstract

The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a nuclear protein essential for cellular DNA synthesis, has been used to assess cellular proliferation in many tumors. To evaluate the potential value of PCNA in predicting the outcome of phyllodes tumor of the breast, we retrospectively studied 17 tumors diagnosed during the period 1985-1991. PC 10, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes PCNA, was applied to for malin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. The PCNA index ranged from 0.2% to 66.3%. The tumors were stratified into high (>9.8%, n = 4) or low (≤9.8%, n = 13) PCNA index groups. No significant correlation between high PCNA index and the clinicopath ologic parameters with the exception of infiltrative margin was sound. However, the difference in recurrence-free survival between the two groups was significant (log rank test P < .01). The Cox's regression analysis showed that high PCNA index was an important prognostic factor for tumor recurrence. PCNA staining could be used as an objective prognostic factor for the local recurrence of phyllodes tumor of the breast. Int J Surg Pathol 2(2):125-132, 1994