Korean J Pathol.  2005 Apr;39(2):69-73.

S Phase Kinase Associated Protein 2 Expression in Breast Cancer and Its Prognostic Implications

• Chang ED
• Lee EJ
• Oh SJ
• Kang CS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: S Phase Kinase Associated Protein 2 (Skp2), an F-box protein necessary for DNA replication, has recently been demonstrated to be an oncogene. The purpose of this study was to examine the Skp2 expression and to investigate its association with expressions of estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR) and HER-2, as well as clinicopathological variables including tumor recurrence.
METHODS
The expressions of Skp2, ER and AR were examined by immunohistochemistry and HER-2 amplification by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) in 117 cases of breast carcinoma.
RESULTS
Skp2 was expressed in 26 patients (22.2%) and was significantly correlated with tumor type (p=0.031), tumor grade (p=0.017) and ER expression (p=0.038). Twenty four (20.5%) of 117 patients had a tumor recurrence, and 6 patients (5.1%) died of multifocal metastases. Tumor recurrence was significantly correlated with histological grade (p=0.041) and lymph node status (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Although Skp2 expression was statistically insignificant in association with tumor recurrence, it might be useful as a biologic predictor in breast cancer. The simple and reliable immunohistochemical assay presented in this study can be a routine part of breast cancer evaluation and may influence patient management.

Keyword

Androgen receptor; Breast cancer; Estrogen receptor; Her 2 gene; S-Phase Kinase-Associated Proteins

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
DNA Replication
Estrogens
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
In Situ Hybridization
Lymph Nodes
Neoplasm Metastasis
Oncogenes
Receptors, Androgen
Recurrence
S Phase*
S-Phase Kinase-Associated Proteins*
Estrogens
Receptors, Androgen
S-Phase Kinase-Associated Proteins