Survivin and COX-2 expression in male breast carcinoma

Male breast carcinoma (Male BC) is a distinct biological subtype of breast cancer. We previously reported an association between 5-year overall survival and strong intratumoral aromatase (ITA) expression in Male BC. In this study, we investigate survivin and COX-2 expression and their relationship to ITA. Clinical data were abstracted for all Male BC patients diagnosed between 1985 and 2005 in Nova Scotia, Canada. Archival tissues were retrieved for tissue microarray (TMA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Of 54 Male BCs identified, 39 cases had tissue available for IHC. Survivin expression was noted in 27 cases (69%); 12 nuclear and 26 cytoplasmic while strong COX-2 expression was observed in 14 cases (36%). Cytoplasmic survivin and COX-2 expressions were positively associated with ITA expression. However, survivin and COX-2 expression were not predictive of survival. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the correlation between cytoplasmic survivin, COX-2 and ITA expression in Male BC considering their potential therapeutic implications.