Low p27(Kip1)expression is associated with poor prognostic factors in breast carcinomas.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to detect the presence of the p27(Kip1) protein expression in breast carcinomas and corresponding axillary lymph node metastases, as well as any potential correlation of p27(Kip1) with factors of tumor progression and prognosis (estrogen receptors-ER, progesterone receptors-PR, c-erbB-2, p53).


METHODS
44 primary breast cancers and positive axillary lymph nodes from 24 cases were examined by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
19 out of 44 (43.18%) tumor specimens expressed the p27 protein, whereas 25 (56.82%) specimens expressed it only at low levels or were negative. Absence of p27 correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with a negative status for ER and PR receptors. The presence of p27 protein in primary tumors was always associated with positive expression in the corresponding nodal metastases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate a correlation between lack or low levels of p27 protein expression and the absence of hormone receptors. The p27 phenotype is preserved from the primary breast tumors to the corresponding axillary lymph node metastases.
Cianga
C
C
Department of Immunology, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.
Cianga
P
P
Cozma
L
L
Diaconu
C
C
Carasevici
E
E