Combined Expressions of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Related Proteins in Triple- Negative Breast Cancer and Its Prognostic Signifi cance

Objective To investigate the relationship between expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition related proteins(E-cadherin, β-catenin and Vimentin) and prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Methods The expressions of E-cadherin, β-catenin as well as Vimentin were examined by immunohistochemistry in 51 patients with breast cancer. The relation between combined expression of 3 markers and prognostic signifi cance was analyzed. Results The loss of E-cadherin or β-catenin expression and over-expression of Vimentin were defined as abnormal expression. The cases with 3 markers normal expressions, 1-2 markers normal expressions, and 3 markers abnormal expressions were 1(1.96%), 37 (72.55%) and 13 (25.49%), respectively.Patients with abnormal expression of 3 markers had shorter disease free survival (DFS), compared with those without. Conclusion The combined expression of E-cadherin,β-catenin as well as Vimentin were useful in discriminating the heterogeneity of triple-negative breast cancer.