Prognostic Significance of Cellular Iron Metabolism in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is caused due to rapid and uncontrolled growth of cells. Among females, breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer globally. The most common risk factors for developing breast cancer are family history and estrogens. Radiation exposure, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, age and race are other risk factors of developing breast cancer. Objective: Aim of the present study was to check iron expression in the biopsies of patients with different grades of breast cancer and to see the prognostic significance of cellular iron metabolism in breast cancer. Methods: A total of 24 breast biopsies were studied using cross sectional study design, among which 19 cases were poorly differentiated, 5 cases were moderately differentiated and there was no case of well differentiated breast carcinoma. These total 24 biopsies were taken between age 20 to 80 years and all patients were females. Results: Among the 5  moderately differentiated cases ,2 cases  (40%) were positive for iron staining and among 19 poorly differentiated cases, 8 cases (42%) were positive for iron staining. patients between age group 41-80 were more iron positive. Conclusion: It has been concluded that iron plays a significant role in the development of breast cancer. Both excess and deficient iron levels can potentially affect prognosis of breast cancer.