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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 15, Issue 3, July 2015 pp 597-602

Research Article

C-kit expression in breast carcinoma – A study of 62 cases of breast carcinoma

Susruthan M1, Rajendiran S2, Jayanth V3, Archana K4, Viswanath Pai5

{1Associate Professor, 2Professor, 4Senior Research Fellow, Department of Pathology}

{3Senior Resident, 5Professor, Department of General Surgery}

Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai-600116, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

Abstract
C-kit, also known as KIT or CD117, is a protooncogene that encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, which is a type 3 transmembrane receptor for MGF (mast cell growth factor, also known as stem cell factor). C-kit plays various important roles in hematopoiesis, melanogenesis, spermatogenesis and the development of interstitial cells of Cajal. C-kit was first identified as the cellular homolog of the feline sarcoma viral oncogene v-kit. Mutations in this gene are associated with various types of malignant tumours. C-kit expression was shown to be reduced in breast carcinomas whereas normal epithelium showed an almost 100% expression. The present study aims at evaluating the c-kit expression in breast cancer, to correlate with clinicopathological factors such as age, menstrual status, associated risk factors, stage, nuclear grade, Nottinghams prognostic index, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and Her2neu status and to evaluate its prognostic value. A total number of Sixty two cases of invasive ductal carcinomas were immunostained for c-kit protein. C-kit positivity was noted in varying number of cases. This was correlated with staging, ER and PR status and Her 2 neu expression.