To study the expression of cytokeratin 5 and 6 in triple negative breast carcinoma: An immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer developing in women worldwide Triple Negative Breast Carcinomas (TNBC) are regarded as one of the most malignant phenotypes, Immunohisto-chemically these tumors are endocrine receptor negative, HER2 –receptor negative, with expression of basal markers - Cytokeratin 5 /6, carrying a poor prognosis. Effective evaluation of these tumor markers helps in efficient treatment of the patient with all these markers carrying a prognostic significance. The current study helps in identifying Cytokeratin 5/6 as a potential multifaceted biomarker and in identifying novel therapeutic agents for Triple Negative Breast Carcinomas.Materials and Methods: The present immunohistochemical study was conducted on 40 histologically proven cases of triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) which were further subjected to Cytokeratin 5/6 expression to determine prognostic and therapeutic value.Result: Cytokeratin 5/6 expression was seen in 16 cases of TNBC, out of 40 histologically proven cases of TNBC. The maximum number of patients of triple negative breast carcinoma were in the age group of 41-50 years comprising 40% of the total cases. % of the total cases. Maximum number of cases of triple negative breast carcinoma were of grade III, constituting 60% followed by grade II Conclusion: According to the current study, Cytokeratin 5/6 positivity has got direct relationship with the grade of the tumour, lymph nodal status and lymphovascular invasion in TNBC cases. TNBC have a grave clinical outcome and decreased 5 year survival rate. Thus, it is highlighted that all TNBC patients should be stained by CK 5/6 and if found positive for CK 5/6 expression it, implies basal like phenotype and aggressive intervention is required. Cytokeratin 5/6 carries a diagnostic as wells as therapeutic importance.