Evaluation of invasive breast cancer by cytochemical studies: correlation with classical and novel prognostic factors

AIM: The prognostic significance of the evaluation of the immunocytochemical expression of Σopoisomerase II alpha (TOPΟΗΗα), Δnhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) and Paxillin has recently gained increasing attention. Several previous studies have examined the clinical usefulness of these markers, but their role remains controversial. The purpose of the study was to investigate the expression of TOPΟΗΗα, EZH2 and Paxillin in relation to classic prognostic parameters and their significance as prognostic markers of breast carcinomas.METHODS: Imprint smears from 105 patients who underwent surgical treatment for primary breast carcinoma were studied immunocytochemically with the use of TOPOIIa, EZH2 and Paxillin antibodies.RESULTS: The expression of TOPOIIa correlated with higher histologic grade, lymph node metastasis and advanced stage and high Ki-67 and EGFR expression. High intensity staining for EZH2 expression was associated with higher histologic grade, negative ER and PR expression and positive Ki-67 expression. The expression of Paxillin correlated with higher histologic grade, lymph node metastasis and advanced stage and high Ki67 expression but no correlation was found with estrogen/progesterone and HER2 expression. Furthermore, our data of 3 years study indicate that Paxillin, TOPOIIa and EZH2 expression had no correlation with recurrence or survival. The results of five years survival will be discussed after the end of this time.CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that Paxillin, TOPOIIa and EZH2 expression are related to a more aggressive tumor phenotype. Neither marker had any prognostic significance until now