The relationship between CSE1L expression and axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

Aim: CSE1L is the human homologue to the yeast gene CSE1 and CSE1L is a gene related to cancer progression. Thus, CSE1L may regulate the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. The aim of this study is to show the relationship between CSE1L and axillary lymph node metastasis.

Methods: Sixty-six breast cancer patients were evaluated according to patient and tumor characteristics. Immunohistochemistry was carried out on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival breast tumor tissues. The results of CSE1L staining were analyzed according to the percentage of immunoreactive cells.

Results: There were 29 patients without axillary lymph node metastasis and 37 patients with nodal metastasis. The mean age of the patients was 50.6 ± 11.3 years. Age, tumor size, nuclear grade and hormone receptor status were similar in the axillary lymph node positive and negative groups. There was a statistically significant relationship between cytoplasmic CSE1L expression and axillary lymph node metastasis. However, nuclear CSE1L expression did not have any effect on axillary lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions: Cytoplasmic CSE1L overexpression may be a valuable tool for prognosis of breast cancer in future.