Bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression in young women with breast cancer

Abstract

Aim: Incidence of breast cancer increases with age and nearly 85% of them are diagnosed after the age of 50. Clinical outcome of breast cancer in young patients is worse than older patients. The aim of this study is to search the difference in expression of bcl-2 and Ki-67 between young and older women with breast cancer, and if there is any; its clinical importance. Material and Method: This study includes 15 patients under the age of 35 years old (Group A) and 30 patients over the age of 35 years (Group B) all of whom were diagnosed with breast carcinoma at Antalya Education and Research Hospital between 2008-2011. Results: Bcl-2 expression was found positive in 33 (73.3%) and negative in 12 (26.7%) patients. There were no difference in expression of bcl-2 between Group A and Group B patients (p:0.475). A meaningful relationship was observed between expression of bcl-2 and hormon receptors, being more significant in ER (p:0.001,p<0.001). Ki-67 proliferation index was found negative in 8 patients (17.8%), low in 10 patients (22.2%) and high in 27 patients (60%). No relationship was found in Ki-67 proliferation index between Group A and Group B patients (p:0.555). There were no meaningful relationship between Ki-67 proliferation index and bcl-2 expression (p:0.736). In Group A patients a more advanced stage disease was observed. Discussion: DNA microarray studies established that different molecular subtypes in breast cancer are related with different clinical outcome. In our study, no difference was found in bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression searched by immunohistochemical method, between very young (Group A) and other (Group B) patients.