Alpha-Fetoprotein Producing Breast Cancer Cells: Case Report and Review of Literature

• Asma Kassab

  Biochemistry laboratory Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia

• Awatef Msolly

  Biochemistry laboratory Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia

• Abdelhedi Miled

  Biochemistry laboratory Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia

• Olfa Gharbi

  Oncology service Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract: Aim:In this paper we report a rare case of breast carcinoma followed by liver metastasis associated to alpha fetoprotein (AFP) secretion by tumor cells.

Methods:Carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 15-3, serum AFP and AFP immunohistochemistry staining were detectedusing commercial kits in 44 year-old woman with breast cancer.

Results: CEA and CA 15-3 were within normal limits. AFP baseline was 14000 ng/l. There was no chronic hepatic viral disease. Biopsy revealed invasive carcinoma ductal cells. Histologic examination of the tumor showed invasive carcinoma, nuclear grade was 2, the tumour cells were negative for oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive for Her-2/neu. The immunohistochemistry stainig for AFP revealed positive reactivity. After chemotherapy, AFP level was within the normal rangeand abdominal ultrasonography showed a partial response evaluated at 50 %. The patient was in good condition at the time of our report (May 2013).

Conclusion:We presume that the increased serum AFP level is responsible for the cancer evolution with good prognosis for breast cancer and poor one for gastric cancer and colon cancer.

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