Image analysis (DNA ploidy) and expression of c-erb B-2 and p53 in imprint smears of breast cancer.

Purpose Of Investigation: To co-evaluate DNA analysis and the expression of c-erb B-2 and p53 oncoproteins with the histologic type and the other known prognostic factors of breast cancer.

Methods: Sixty-five imprint smears from breast surgical specimens were examined by immunocytochemical staining for c-erb B-2 and p53 and routine pap staining. The immunostaining was considered positive for c-erb B-2 if the cancer cells showed specific membrane staining and for p53 specific nuclear staining. In 30 breast carcinoma imprints, DNA ploidy was evaluated by an image analysis technique using a SAMBA 2005 analyser.

Results: From the total number of 53 breast carcinomas which were evaluated in our study 25 (47.1%) showed c-erb B-2 immunopositivity, while 16 (30.18%) exhibited p53 positive nuclear immunoreactivity. Ten out of 13 (76.92%) aneuploid breast carcinomas were positive for c-erb B-2 while five out of 13 (38.46%) showed immunopositivity for p53.

Conclusion: From our findings it seems that detection of c-erb B-2 and p53 expression in samples of breast carcinomas could be an important prognostic factor and may identify patients with more aggressive disease.