Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pathology

Survivin is a cancer gene that is overexpressed in differentiated tissues at high levels in vast majority of tumours. It is novel member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family that has been shown to inhibit apoptosis and promote mitosis. Many studies showed aberrant expression of survivin. Clinicopathologic investigations on the role of surviving in breast cancer focusing on its importance as prognostic factors have been limited. In this review, we assessed the expression of survivin in some subtypes of breast cancer. Our retrospective study comprised of 40 specimens of breast cancer. Sample from archived blocks were immunostained for survivin. Survivin expression was evaluated and a weighted score with regards to the intensity and percentage expression of tumour cells were assessed. Survivin expression was detected in 90% of breast carcinomas. The adjacent normal breast tissue was negative for the immunostain. Survivin expression showed significant association with tumour histologic stage, and Her2 status. There was no significant association with age of patients, tumour size, tumour grade, nodal status, estrogen receptor status, and progesterone receptor status. In conclusion, overexpression of Survivin is associated with parameters of poor prognosis in some subtypes of breast carcinoma

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