Significance of Bcl-2 expression in breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The most prevalent and lethal form of cancer in women, breast carcinoma is thought to account for 2,088, 849 (11.6%) of all new cases each year. Protooncogene Bcl-2 is primarily present in the perinuclear membrane. Examining the significance of Bcl-2 expression as a predictive factor in breast cancer is the goal of the current investigation.  Materials and Methods: From December 2019 to January 2021, a tertiary care hospital in Chennai conducted this investigation on 42 cases of mastectomy specimens. Using tools from Path Insitu, Bcl-2 marker immunohistochemistry was carried out. Scores were taken after observing Bcl-2 expression in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Results: Total 42 cases were studied, and the age of patient ranged from 33-80 years. Out of 42 cases of IDC-NST (Invasive ductal carcinoma- No special type) 19 cases (45%) showed positive   expression and 23 cases (54%) showed lack of staining for Bcl-2. Tumor size and grade of IDC-NST has significant relationship with Bcl-2 expression with p value of 0.05. No correlation has been found between lymph nodes harboring malignant cells and Bcl2                                         expression with p value >0.05.  Conclusion: The staging and prognosis of breast cancer depend heavily on the size, grading based on histopathology, and lymph node harboring tumor cells. Hormonal receptor tests are frequently used in the process of treating breast cancer. The goal of the current investigation was to assess Bcl2's value as an additional marker for prognosis. Significant Bcl-2 expression was seen in tumors of modest histologic grade and size.