Context: Androgen receptor (AR) has been found to be associated with the occurrence and progression of breast cancer; however, their clinical significance in triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) cases is still a matter of debate. Aims: The present research work was done to study the expression of AR in TNBC biopsies (ER-, PR-, & HER2/neu-) by immuno-histochemistry and to correlate AR expression patterns in TNBC with Ki-67 and other prognostic markers. Settings and Design: The present cross-sectional study was conducted byDepartment of Pathology, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradeshfrom 2015-16. Methods and Material: ER, PR and AR negative expression were defined as <10% nuclear staining and also HER2 (2+), FISH was performed. Nuclear staining was done for estimation of Ki-67. Statistical Analysis Used: Categorialvariables were expressed as frequencies and percentages and Chi-square test was used to study the association. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean age of TNBC cases was 53.8 ± 11.2 years. The most common Blooms Richardson histopathological grade found was Grade II in 35 cases (70%) followed by Grade III in 15 cases (30%). Majority of TNBC in our study group (60%) were AR positive (intermediate or strong). The AR positivity was found to be significantly associated with postmenopausal status and lymph nodes involvement. About 65% of the cases negative for AR intensity were from patients who were in pre-menopausal group. Among 80% cases with involvement of lymph node, the AR intensity was strongly positive. No significant correlation was observed between AR and Ki-67 expression. Conclusions: Although,in our study no statistically significant correlation was observedbetween AR and Ki-67 index among TNBC cases but a strong AR intensity was observed with lymph node involvement. Thus in TNBC patients, evaluation of AR status may provide additional information on prognosis and treatment.

Keywords: Breast Cancer; Estrogen Receptor; Her-2/Neu; Progesterone R