Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of triple negative breast cancer

Objective To analyze the relationship of clinicopathologic Features and prognosis of triple negative breast cancer. Methods A total of 196 cases with operable breast cancer received in our hospital between January 2002 and February 2007 were analyzed. We used immunohistochemistry to determine Her2, ER, and PR status. The patients were divided into the triple negative breast cancer group (ER negative,PR negative, and Her-2 negative)and the non-triple negative breast cancer group. The clinicopathologic features of the two groups were compared. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed. Results Of the 196 patients, 13.27% (26/196) had triple negative breast cancer. The percentage of cases with tumor exceeded 5 cm or grade Ⅲ was higher in the triple negative group than in the non-triple negative group (P ＜ 0.05 ). No significant difference was found in other clinicopathologic features between the two groups.The 3-year DFS was 84.62% (22/26) in the triple negative group and 92.94% ( 158/170)in the non-triple negative group. Conclusion Compared with non triple negative breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer has an increased possibility of local recurrence or distant metastasis,leading to a poorer prognosis. Key words: Triple negative breast cancer;  Pathology;  Clinical;  Prognosis