Evaluation of Ki-67/PCNA immunostaining in breast carcinoma and cytologic grading of fine needle aspirates of breast carcinoma: Correlation with histologic grade

Abstract

Background: The reliability of breast cancer grading system in fine needle aspirates and correlation of histologic grade with immunohistologic application of Kİ-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Methods: Thirty consecutive breast cancer fine needle aspirates and their surgical specimens were reviewed. The aspirates and histologic sections were graded according to simplified Black (SB) and Bloom-Richardson systems, respectively. Kİ-67 and PCNA monoclonal antibodies were applied to the histologic sections by using immunoperoxidase methods. Results: The cytologic and histologic grades were well correlated. A significant correlation between two proliferation marker labelings and histologic grade and mitotic activity was found. Conclusion: The cytologic grade can be used to predict the histologic grade of the breast carcinoma. Kİ-67 and PCNA immunostainings provide valuable information and are correlated with histologic grade. This information could be very important especially in chemotherapy planning of inoperable breast cancer patients.