triple-negative mammary carcinoma
Over 80% of breast cancers in women with germline BRCA1 mutations are estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative ("triple negative"). Most of these tumors have a basal-like phenotype by expression profiling and immunophenotypic analysis.
Triple-negative breast carcinoma accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancers.
It is characterized by an aggressive clinical history, high rate of local relapse, and association with the basal epithelial-like subtype.
Variations in breast cancer subtype and clinical outcome often exist across racial and ethnic lines.
Pathology
Basal cytokeratin and EGFR expression are both highly prevalent among triple-negative breast cancers. (#19390427#)
The frequency of expression of basal cytokeratins and EGFR was similar in women with and without BRCA1 mutations. (#19390427#)
The expression of basal cytokeratins and/or EGFR can be used to identify triple-negative breast cancers that have a basal-like phenotype. (#19390427#)
Expression of these markers alone is not sufficient to distinguish which women with triple-negative breast cancers are likely to harbor BRCA1 germline mutations. (#19390427#)
References
Triple negative tumours: a critical review. Reis-Filho JS, Tutt AN. Histopathology. 2008 Jan;52(1):108-18. PMID: #18171422#
Basal Cytokeratin and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression Are Not Predictive of BRCA1 Mutation Status in Women With Triple-negative Breast Cancers. Collins LC, Martyniak AJ, Kandel MJ, Stadler ZK, Masciari S, Miron A, Richardson AL, Schnitt SJ, Garber JE. Am J Surg Pathol. 2009 Apr 22. PMID: #19390427#
Triple-negative breast carcinoma in women from Vietnam and the United States: characterization of differential marker expression by tissue microarray. Williams DJ, Cohen C, To TV, Page AJ, Lawson D, Sussman ZM, Nassar A. Hum Pathol. 2009 Apr 13. PMID: #19368951#