IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF CEA AND CA 15-3 IN BREAST-CANCER - RELATION TO SERUM LEVELS AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS

In human breast cancer immunohistochemical detection of CEA and CA 15-3 was compared to the serum levels to these antigens. A significant correlation between immunohistochemical and serological positivity was found in 155 cases of CEA determination. In 159 cases of CA 15-3 analysis, a significant correlation between negative immunohistochemistry and positive serologic detection and vice versa was obtained. Concerning CEA, no correlation was found for immunohistochemical as well as serological analysis between stage of disease, lymphatic node involvement, histological grading, histological typing, immunohistochemical and biochemical hormone receptor assay., growth fraction (Ki-67), and NEU-protein overexpression. A clinical not significant trend was found towards better prognosis of serologically positive cases with respect to survival period and recurrence free interval. Concerning CA 15-3, in the same way no correlation was found with the mentioned prognostic factors except for a correlation of serum levels with the tumor mass. Patients with positive immunohistochemical or negative serological expression of CA 15-3 indicated a not significant trend towards better prognosis.