The accuracy of preoperative core biopsy in determining histologic grade, hormone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in invasive breast cancer

Abstract Background Proper determination of histologic type and biomarkers in a core biopsy specimen is important before preoperative systemic therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of preoperative core biopsy through comparative analysis of histologic grade (HG), hormone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) status in both the core biopsy and surgical specimens. Methods We identified 104 patients with invasive ductal cancer who underwent core biopsy and definitive surgery in our institution. The histologic type, HG, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2 status were determined in both the core biopsy and surgical specimens by one pathologist. Results The mean age of the 104 patients was 50 ± 9.9 years and the mean number of core biopsies was 5.1 ± .9. The concordance rates for histologic type, HG, ER, PR, and HER-2 status were 100%, 80.8%, 99%, 97.1%, and 86.5%, respectively. Conclusions Core biopsy can predict histologic type, HG, ER, PR and HER-2 status preoperatively in breast cancer when used properly.