Male breast cancer: clinico-pathological features, immunocytochemical characteristics and prognosis.
A series of 30 cases of male breast cancer in the North-East of Scotland is reviewed. The aims of the study were to document clinico-pathological and immunocytochemical features (available for 25) of these patients and to establish which factors could predict prognosis. Tumours were studied for the expression of oestrogen receptors (ERs), the oestrogen-dependent proteins pS2 and cathepsin D, the oncoprotein products of c-erb-B2 and the p53 tumour-suppressor-gene derived protein. Clinico-pathological features documented were in agreement with those reported by other authors. The overall 5-year survival was 53%. Tumour grade and lymph-node status influenced prognosis. In this series, 64% of the tumours expressed ERs, 50% pS2, 46% cathepsin D, 42% the c-erb-B2 transmembrane oncoprotein and 54% p53. In contrast to female breast cancer, the presence of either substantial amounts of ERs or the oestrogen-dependent protein pS2 correlated with poorer prognosis in males. This correlation has not previously been documented.
Bruce
D M
DM
Department of Surgery, University of Aberdeen, UK.
Heys
S D
SD
Payne
S
S
Miller
I D
ID
Eremin
O
O
D018567:Breast Neoplasms, Male / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000032:analysis; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011506:Proteins; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000032:analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D000071163:Trefoil Factor-1; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000032:analysis; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins; D015854:Up-Regulation
D002402:Cathepsin D; D004967:Estrogens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D000071163:Trefoil Factor-1; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins; C051838:TFF1 protein, human