Evaluation of P-53 & E-Cadherin Status in Breast Carcinoma & Its Correlation with Histological Grading

Abstract

Introduction: Breast carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although histological grading remains important for prognostic assessment, variability in tumor behavior within similar grades necessitates the evaluation of additional molecular biomarkers.

Aim & Objectives: To evaluate the expression of p53 and E-Cadherin in breast carcinoma and to correlate their expression with histological subtype and tumor grade.

Material & Methods: This study included 100 histopathologically confirmed cases of breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis for p53 and E-Cadherin was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Histological grading was carried out using the Modified Bloom–Richardson (Nottingham) grading system. The expression patterns of both markers were correlated with histological subtype and grade.

Results: p53 positivity was observed in 58% of cases and showed a significant association with invasive ductal carcinoma and higher tumor grades. Altered E-Cadherin expression, including partial and complete loss, was noted in a considerable number of cases, with complete loss predominantly seen in invasive lobular carcinoma. Increasing loss of E-Cadherin expression was significantly associated with higher histological grades. Combined evaluation of p53 positivity and E-Cadherin loss demonstrated a stronger correlation with tumor grade and better diagnostic performance compared to individual markers.

Conclusion: The combined assessment of p53 and E-Cadherin provides better insight into tumor aggressiveness and correlates significantly with histological grading. Integration of these molecular markers with routine histopathology may improve prognostic stratification in breast carcinoma.