Significance of CHEK2 expression in pathogenesis of breast cancer

Abstract

Objective: To compare the histo-morphological features and CHEK2 expression in breast cancer versus benign breast disease.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, in cooperation with Department of Surgical Units Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from 31-March-2021 to 30-March-2022. A total of 80 female participants were allocated in two groups. Group A = 40 with fibroadenoma and group B = 40 having breast cancer. After gross anatomical examination breast tissue was processed for Hematoxylin and eosin staining for histomorphology and immunohistochemical analysis for CHEK2 expression. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

Results: Mean age of group A was 30.05±6.4 years and group B was 43.139±8.3 years. Common presenting complaint of group A was pain 15 (37.5%) whereas group B presented with painless lump 35 (87.5%). In both groups tumors had affected the upper outer quadrant of left side of the breast.

On microscopy 38(95%) of group B participants had invasive ductal carcinoma. Out of those, 26(65%) had grade II and 22 (55%) had stage II cancer. Necrosis, ductal carcinoma insitu (DCIS) component, calcifications and lymphocytic infiltration were significantly noticeable in group B. Immunohistochemical expression of CHEK2 was significantly higher in group B as compared to group A participants (p= 0.001).

Conclusion: There was a significantly higher expression of CHEK2 in breast cancer (group B) patients. This may be considered as an important diagnostic marker in breast cancer pathogenesis.

Key words: Breast cancer, Fibroadenoma, Chek point kinase 2, Immunohistochemistry, Histomorphology.