E-cadherin Expression in Breast Carcinoma and Its Clinical Significance

Objective To investigate the expression of E cadherin in breast carcinoma in relation to biological behavior and prognosis.Methods Expression of E cadherin protein was detected by immunohistochemical technique in 51 breast invasive ductal carcinoma specimens.The relationship of E cadherin expression to clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative survival time was statistically analysed.Results Of the 51 cases,the high and low E cadherin expressive rate was 41 2% (21/51) and 58 8% (30/51) respectively.E cadherin expression level was correlated with tumor size,axillary lymph node status,TNM stage,histological grade,local recurrence and distant metastasis.Univariate survival analysis demonstrated that patients with high E cadherin expression showed better postoperative 5 year survival.Cox multivariate analysis showed that E cadherin expression level was an independent prognostic marker.Conclusions Reduced E cadherin expres sion in breast carcinoma promotes malignant progression,and indicates dedifferentiation and intensive invasive biological behavior.E cadherin expression level is an independent prognostic factor in breast carcinoma.