Is p63 reliable in detecting microinvasion in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast?
P63, a p53 homologue, is considered to be a marker of myoepithelial cells in breast tissue. This study was carried out to determine the sensitivity of p63 in detecting myoepithelial cells in DCIS and to compare the results obtained with smooth-muscle actin (1A4) in an attempt to verify the reliability of p63 as a possible marker of microinvasion in breast carcinoma. Fifteen DCIS of the breast were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis with anti-p63 and 1A4 antibodies and to a double immunolabeling study using p63 with 1A4. The double immunolabeling study showed that the same cells positive for p63 were also positive for 1A4. The three cases of DCIS with micro-invasion were negative for p63 and 1A4 in the foci of invasiveness. P63 staining was continuous in five of twelve cases of DCIS without microinvasion, being focal and discontinuous in 6 cases and completely negative in one case. Smooth-muscle actin staining was continuous in nine of twelve cases, including the five cases posit
Related Questions
- What is the difference between invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and how are they treated?
- Is p63 reliable in detecting microinvasion in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast?
- Should breast screening programmes limit their detection of ductal carcinoma in situ?.
