Expression of cathepsin D and galectin 3 in tubular carcinomas of the breast

Abstract

Tubular carcinoma (TC) is a distinctive type of grade I (G1) ductal carcinoma with particularly favourable outcome and low rate of axillary metastases. To the best of our knowledge, few data are available in the literature concerning the expression of molecules mediating intercellular and cell-matrix interactions in TC. We examined with immunohistochemical methods the expression of galectin 3 and cathepsin D in 17 TC and in 33, 31 and 28 ductal carcinomas of G1, grade II (G2) and grade III (G3), respectively. Results were compared using Chi-square test. Galectin 3 expression was higher in TC than in G1 carcinomas (p<0.05). The pattern of immunostaining was also different with a focal cytoplasmic apical reinforcement in TC. However, cathepsin D stromal and epithelial expression was similar in TC and G1 cases (p>0.05), and lower than in G2 and G3 patients at a stromal level. The higher expression of galectin 3 in TC and its focal staining (apical) pattern suggests that within the group of G1 carcinomas, galectin 3 expression varies according to histological type, and may correlate with prognosis and metastatic potential. We also suggest that cathepsin D could not be involved in neoplastic progression and metastasis in low-grade (G1) ductal breast carcinomas.

Tubular Carcinoma of the Breast: Clinicopathologic Features and Survival Outcome Compared with Ductal CarcinomaIn Situ

“…This result was consistent with previous studies revealing that TC has a better prognosis than grade 1 ductal carcinomas [3]. Morphologic and molecular studies have also reported similarities between TC and other low grade, luminal type breast carcinomas [12,13,21-23]. Moreover, recent studies have suggested a possible precursor role of low grade DCIS in the development of tubular breast cancer by documenting the association between TC and micropapillary and cribriform DCIS [12-16,22,24].…”

“…Morphologic and molecular studies have also reported similarities between TC and other low grade, luminal type breast carcinomas [12,13,21-23]. Moreover, recent studies have suggested a possible precursor role of low grade DCIS in the development of tubular breast cancer by documenting the association between TC and micropapillary and cribriform DCIS [12-16,22,24]. In our study, 22 patients (31.4%) with TC also showed DCIS, and of these, 15 patients (68.1%) had a cribriform type.…”

“…However, there is currently no consensus on the omission of surgical axillary node staging according to the type of TC. Moreover, recent studies have documented an association between TC and micropapillary and cribriform ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and suggested a possible precursor role of low grade DCIS in the development of tubular breast cancer [12-16]. …”

Galectins as Cancer Biomarkers

“…It is difficult to distinguish between non-metastatic and metastatic carcinomas and decide about right treatment at very early stages. The higher expression of galectin-3 in TC and its focal staining (apical) pattern suggests that within the group of G1 carcinomas, galectin-3 expression varies according to histological type, and may correlate with prognosis and metastatic potential [14]. …”

Immunhistochemical expression of galectin-3 in cancer: a review of the literature

“…The pattern of immunostaining was also different with a focal cytoplasmic apical reinforcement in TC. The higher expression of Galectin-3 in TC and its focal staining (apical) pattern suggested that within the group of G1 carcinomas, Galectin-3 expression varied according to histological type, and might correlate with prognosis and metastatic potential (51). Belezza et al investigated Galectin-3 in granular cell tumors and, a constant diffuse positivity for Galectin-3 was found.…”