© Oxford University Press 2008
Morphological and immunophenotypic analysis of basal-like carcinoma of the breast
Academic Institute, University of Westminster, London, UK
* Corresponding author: Email: joy.winter3{at}googlemail.com
Supervisors: Dr Andrew Parker, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK and Dr Anthony Madgewick, Academic Institute, University of Westminster, London, UK.
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Abstract |
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Breast carcinomas present a heterogeneous group of tumours varying greatly with regard to histopathological classification, prognosis and treatment options. Recent research has identified a subtype of breast carcinoma that is associated with a poor prognosis and is most commonly found to be grade 3; these tumours are termed basal-like tumours due to their differentiation towards basal cell types.
Sixty cases of grade 3 ductal carcinomas not otherwise specified (NOS) were stained using immunohistochemical techniques with a panel of antibodies.
All cases were subjected to immunohistochemical and morphological analyses, and tumours were classified as either basal-like or ductal NOS.
Statistical analysis accompanied by sensitivity and specificity values showed cytokeratin 5 and vimentin to be the most useful antibodies for diagnosing the basal-like tumour. Morphological analysis found that a high mitotic count and presence of necrosis could be associated with the basal-like phenotype.
Results of this study have facilitated the development of an algorithm to allow identification and diagnosis of this tumour type.
Key words: basal-like, breast, immunophenotype
Submitted on 28 September 2007; accepted on 17 December 2007