Comparison of Cytokeratin Expression Vis-à-Vis Bloom–Richardson Grading of Breast Carcinoma in Resource-limited Setup: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and the leading cause of female mortality. Its incidence and prevalence are rapidly increasing worldwide. Age <35 years, multiple nodal involvements, ad increased size and grade are the bad prognostic factors indicating a higher risk of recurrence. Early diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the best approaches to prevent this disease. Aim: The aim of this study is to develop an understanding of the relationship between cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 and CK 8/18 expression and the Bloom–Richardson (BR) grading of carcinoma breast. Materials and Methods: The present observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study investigated CK 5/6 and CK 8/18 expression in relation to the BR grade in 50 cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Hematoxylin and eosin staining for BR grade and immunohistochemistry for CK 5/6 and CK 8/18 was carried out in the histopathology and immunohistochemistry sections of the Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (M). Results: Out of 50 cases, CK 5/6 expression was observed in the majority of BR Grade III cases (87.50%) indicating a basal phenotype, and CK 8/18 expression was seen in the majority of BR Grade I cases (92.86%) signifying a luminal phenotype. The P value interpretation was found to be statistically significant (<0.05). Conclusions: CKs along with BR grading can be used as an alternative tool for predicting the endocrine status of carcinoma breast instead of employing an expensive panel of markers.