B – cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is an antiapoptotic protein belongs to Bcl2 family. It is an important breast cancer prognostic marker. Bcl2 is upregulated by estrogen in breast cancer. Therefore, Bcl2 expression in breast cancer can be considered as a sign of estrogen functional activity.

Aim: To evaluate the expression of Bcl-2 oncoprotein in patients with infiltrating duct carcinoma, breast –NOS (IDC-NOS) and to assess its correlation with various clinicopathological variables, especially hormone receptors.

Materials & Methods: 75 cases of infiltrating duct carcinoma breast, with defined ER, PR & Her2 status were retrieved & immunohistochemical analysis with Bcl2 was done. Clinicopathological features were analyzed and correlation between Bcl2 expression and the above features especially hormone status were assessed.

Results & Conclusion: 43 (57.3%) cases of IDC – NOS showed Bcl-2 positivity. Bcl2 expression was significantly associated with lower histological grade and hormone receptor positivity. Triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) show lack of expression of Bcl-2 in significant proportion.

Keywords: Infiltrating duct carcinoma breast, Bcl-2 Expression, hormone receptors.

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Dr Babu K Joseph

Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics,

Govt. Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, PIN -680596

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