Effect of postoperative ischemia on steroid hormone receptors and c-erbB-2 levels in breast cancer tissue.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative ischemia could affect the evaluation of breast cancer tissue for steroid hormone receptors and c-erbB2 levels until fixation using formalin. The misevaluation of steroid hormone receptors and c-erbB2 levels, which are important prognostic factors in the treatment of breast cancer, could change treatment options. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of postoperative ischemia on a breast cancer tissue sample, particularly on steroid hormone receptors and c-erbB2 expression level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy were included in this study. Two histopathological methods, namely frozen and regular follow-up methods, were performed postoperatively on all specimens. Steroid hormone receptors, estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and c-erbB2 expression of breast cancer tissue samples were evaluated using both techniques. Two groups were created based on the results of steroid hormone receptors and c-erbB2 expression levels using the two histopathological techniques.

RESULTS: We determined that ischemia has an adverse effect on the evaluation of steroid hormone receptors and c-erbB2, especially its effect on c-erbB2 expression level was significant (p<0.002).

CONCLUSION: A mastectomy specimen should be examined at once to ensure accurate detection of steroid hormone receptors and c-erbB2 levels for the proper treatment of breast cancer patients.