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Nourieh M, Vibert R, Saint-Ghislain M, Cyrta J, Vincent-Salomon A. Next-generation sequencing in breast pathology: real impact on routine practice over a decade since its introduction. Histopathology 2023; 82:162-169. [PMID: 36482269 PMCID: PMC10108312 DOI: 10.1111/his.14794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis, histomolecular classes of breast cancers (luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and basal-like), and accurate prediction of prognosis are commonly determined using morphological and phenotypical analyses in clinical practice worldwide. Therapeutic strategies are mostly based on the disease stage and molecular subclasses of breast cancer. Targeted therapies, such as anti-HER2s, poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors or, to a lesser extent, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitors, have substantially improved breast cancer patient prognosis over the past decades. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is widely determined based on immunohistochemistry, while next-generation sequencing (NGS) is currently employed to assess the presence of molecular alterations, including breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and 2 or phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutations, which are targets of these new approved therapies. In addition, next-generation sequencing (NGS) can aid the pathologist in challenging situations, such as a diagnostic workup for a metastatic carcinoma in lymph nodes of unknown origin, differential diagnosis of spindle cell tumourtumor in the breast between metaplastic carcinoma, malignant PT and sarcoma, o, as well as determining relatedness between primary breast cancers and recurrences. NGS offers a powerful tool that enables the pathologist to combine morphological analyses together with molecular alterations in challenging diagnostic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Nourieh
- Department of Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine, Versailles Saint Quentin University UVSQ, Institut CURIE, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Roseline Vibert
- Department of Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine, Paris Sciences Lettres University PSL, Institut CURIE, Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Saint-Ghislain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paris Sciences Lettres University PSL, Institut CURIE, Paris, France
| | - Joanna Cyrta
- Department of Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine, Paris Sciences Lettres University PSL, Institut CURIE, Paris, France
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Department of Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine, Paris Sciences Lettres University PSL, Institut CURIE, Paris, France
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2
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Genomic characterization and tumor evolution in paired samples of metaplastic breast carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1066-1074. [PMID: 35177782 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Metaplastic breast carcinomas are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors (0.5-2%). They are mainly triple negative tumors but they present poorer chemotherapy responses and worse prognosis than other triple negative tumors. The aim of our study was to characterize the molecular profile and tumor evolution in matched (primary-relapse) tumor samples from patients with early-stage metaplastic breast carcinomas who had disease recurrence/progression. We performed genomic profiling of tumor biopsies at least from two different time points of their tumor evolution. Tumor samples were analyzed by DNA-Next Generation Sequencing (Illumina 2 x 75bp) using the Action OncoKitDX panel (Imegen-Health in Code group), which includes point mutations in 50 genes, CNVs, and fusion genes. Only pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were considered for analysis and they were categorized following the ComPerMed criteria. We analyzed 21 matched tumor samples (8 primary and 13 relapse/progression samples). Genomic profiling of matched tumor samples revealed that mutations present in primary tumors are generally maintained in the relapse/disease progression. We did not find a significant increase in point mutations between primary and relapse/progression samples, although gene amplifications were found more frequently in relapse/progression samples. Tumor samples harbored high frequency of TP53 (100%) and TERT promoter (29%) mutations, and of MYC amplifications (80% of which in relapse/progression samples). No PI3KCA mutations were found, but PTEN variations were enriched in 38% of samples (10% mutations and 28% deletions). FGFR1 amplifications were identified in 13% of samples (primary tumor only). Neither ERBB2 nor EGFR gene amplifications were detected. The most frequent pathogenic alterations occurred in cycle regulation's genes, including TP53 and TERT promoter mutations, and MYC amplifications. Relapse/progression samples were highly enriched for MYC amplification. Larger studies are required to better characterize these tumors, and identify new strategies to improve the prognosis of these patients.
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3
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Yam C, Abuhadra N, Sun R, Adrada BE, Ding QQ, White JB, Ravenberg EE, Clayborn AR, Valero V, Tripathy D, Damodaran S, Arun BK, Litton JK, Ueno NT, Murthy RK, Lim B, Baez L, Li X, Buzdar AU, Hortobagyi GN, Thompson AM, Mittendorf EA, Rauch GM, Candelaria RP, Huo L, Moulder SL, Chang JT. Molecular Characterization and Prospective Evaluation of Pathologic Response and Outcomes with Neoadjuvant Therapy in Metaplastic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2878-2889. [PMID: 35507014 PMCID: PMC9250637 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is a rare subtype of breast cancer that is commonly triple-negative and poorly responsive to neoadjuvant therapy in retrospective studies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To better define clinical outcomes and correlates of response, we analyzed the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant therapy, survival outcomes, and genomic and transcriptomic profiles of the pretreatment tumors in a prospective clinical trial (NCT02276443). A total of 211 patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), including 39 with MpBC, received doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide-based neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS Although not meeting the threshold for statistical significance, patients with MpBCs were less likely to experience a pCR (23% vs. 40%; P = 0.07), had shorter event-free survival (29.4 vs. 32.2 months, P = 0.15), metastasis-free survival (30.3 vs. 32.4 months, P = 0.22); and overall survival (32.6 vs. 34.3 months, P = 0.21). This heterogeneity is mirrored in the molecular profiling. Mutations in PI3KCA (23% vs. 9%, P = 0.07) and its pathway (41% vs. 18%, P = 0.02) were frequently observed and enriched in MpBCs. The gene expression profiles of each histologically defined subtype were distinguishable and characterized by distinctive gene signatures. Among nonmetaplastic (non-Mp) TNBCs, 10% possessed a metaplastic-like gene expression signature and had pCR rates and survival outcomes similar to MpBC. CONCLUSIONS Further investigations will determine if metaplastic-like tumors should be treated more similarly to MpBC in the clinic. The 23% pCR rate in this study suggests that patients with MpBC should be considered for NAT. To improve this rate, a pathway analysis predicted enrichment of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and RTK/MAPK pathways in MpBC, which may serve as new targetable vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Yam
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nour Abuhadra
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Beatriz E. Adrada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qing-Qing Ding
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason B. White
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Ravenberg
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alyson R. Clayborn
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicente Valero
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Senthilkumar Damodaran
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Banu K. Arun
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer K. Litton
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naoto T. Ueno
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rashmi K. Murthy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bora Lim
- Department of Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luis Baez
- PROncology (Private Practice), University of Puerto Rico. San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Xiaoxian Li
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute - Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aman U. Buzdar
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel N. Hortobagyi
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alistair M. Thompson
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Section of Breast Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MD, USA.,Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaiane M. Rauch
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rosalind P. Candelaria
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lei Huo
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacy L. Moulder
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey T. Chang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
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4
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Rakha EA, Brogi E, Castellano I, Quinn C. Spindle cell lesions of the breast: a diagnostic approach. Virchows Arch 2021; 480:127-145. [PMID: 34322734 PMCID: PMC8983634 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spindle cell lesions of the breast comprise a heterogeneous group of lesions, ranging from reactive and benign processes to aggressive malignant tumours. Despite their rarity, they attract the attention of breast pathologists due to their overlapping morphological features and diagnostic challenges, particularly on core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens. Pathologists should recognise the wide range of differential diagnoses and be familiar with the diverse morphological appearances of these lesions to make an accurate diagnosis and to suggest proper management of the patients. Clinical history, immunohistochemistry, and molecular assays are helpful in making a correct diagnosis in morphologically challenging cases. In this review, we present our approach for the diagnosis of breast spindle cell lesions, highlighting the main features of each entity and the potential pitfalls, particularly on CNB. Breast spindle cell lesions are generally classified into two main categories: bland-appearing and malignant-appearing lesions. Each category includes a distinct list of differential diagnoses and a panel of immunohistochemical markers. In bland-appearing lesions, it is important to distinguish fibromatosis-like spindle cell metaplastic breast carcinoma from other benign entities and to distinguish fibromatosis from scar tissue. The malignant-appearing category includes spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma, stroma rich malignant phyllodes tumour, other primary and metastatic malignant spindle cell tumours of the breast, including angiosarcoma and melanoma, and benign mimics such as florid granulation tissue and nodular fasciitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad A Rakha
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Cecily Quinn
- Histopathology, BreastCheck, Irish National Breast Screening Programme and St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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5
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Munawar S, Haider R, Ali SM, Yaqeen SR, Islam S, Asghar IA, Afzal A, Zia S, Irfan M, Hashmi AA. Triple-Negative Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma: Association of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression With Prognostic Parameters and Clinical Outcome. Cureus 2021; 13:e15006. [PMID: 34150374 PMCID: PMC8202447 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is one of the rare special subtypes of breast carcinoma associated with poor prognostic features compared with invasive ductal carcinoma. Moreover, therapeutic options are limited in MBC owing to frequent triple-negative profiles of these tumors. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a proto-oncogene that is overexpressed in many human cancers, and is a potential therapeutic target. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the expression of EGFR in MBC by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinicopathological and prognostic parameters. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study in the Department of Histopathology at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Pakistan, over a period of seven years. A total of 61 cases with a histopathological diagnosis of MBC were included in the study. All slides were reviewed by histopathologists for diagnostic confirmation. Histopathological parameters, such as tumor size, grade, and nodal metastasis, were recorded. The representative tissue blocks were also retrieved and immunohistochemical studies were performed for cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), Ki67, and EGFR. Results The mean age of the patients was 44.48 ± 13.01 years. The mean tumor size was 5.72 ± 2.72 cm, with most of the cases belonging to tumor (T)-stage T3. Axillary metastasis was present in 57.4% cases, and the perinodal extension was present in 11.5% cases. Most tumors were grade III (85.2%), with a mean Ki67 index of 39.67% ± 20.38%. Most of the cases were nonbasal (83.6%), owing to the absent CK5/6 expression. Tumor recurrence was noted in 14.8% cases, with a median follow-up of 43 (13-83) months and median disease-free survival of 36 (12-60) months. Positive EGFR expression was noted in 52.5% cases. A significant association of EGFR expression was noted with tumor grade, mean Ki67 index, axillary metastasis, and nodal (N)-stage. Cases with positive EGFR expression were found to have higher grade (grade III), with higher Ki67 index, higher frequency of axillary metastasis, and higher N-stage. Moreover, cases with positive EGFR expression had lower disease-free survival compared to cases with negative EGFR expression. Conclusion We found that a significant proportion of triple-negative MBC expressed EGFR. Moreover, EGFR overexpression was associated with poor pathological parameters and lower disease-free survival. Therefore, EGFR can be considered a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in triple-negative MBC; however, the correlation between gene amplification and protein overexpression is required to better uncover the role of EGFR as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzeb Munawar
- Internal Medicine, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, PAK
| | - Rimsha Haider
- Internal Medicine, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK.,Emergency Medicine, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, PAK
| | - Syed Munqaad Ali
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Sabeeh Islam
- Internal Medicine, St. Vincent Health Center, Buffalo, USA.,Internal Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, PAK
| | | | - Anoshia Afzal
- Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
| | - Shamail Zia
- Pathology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, PAK
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Statistics, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Atif A Hashmi
- Pathology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK
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Rakha EA, Quinn CM, Foschini MP, Muñoz Martin M, Dabbs DJ, Lakhani S, Varga Z, Pinder SE, Schmitt FC, Reis-Filho JS, Fox SB, Ellis IO, Tan PH, Mihai R. Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast without evidence of epithelial differentiation: a diagnostic approach for management. Histopathology 2020; 78:759-771. [PMID: 33113154 DOI: 10.1111/his.14290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although rare, malignant sarcomatoid breast tumours without evidence of epithelial differentiation comprise a diagnostic challenge with management implications. Earlier studies have generally considered these to be primary breast sarcomas; however, supporting evidence is lacking and management remains variable. This study aimed to provide an evidence-based approach to improve the consistency of diagnosis and management for such cases. METHODS AND RESULTS A large series (n = 140) of metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) diagnosed in Nottingham over 18 years was analysed. Only cases with available data on immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratins (CKs) were included. The prevalence and pattern of expression for various CKs were assessed and details of tumours negative for CKs were collected. A diagnostic approach based on our experience is provided. Forty-seven cases (34%) showed foci of conventional type invasive breast carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), while 93 cases (66%) were diagnosed as MBC based on morphology and/or CK expression. Ninety-seven cases (69%) were negative for one or more CKs, with 18 cases (13%) negative for five or more CKs. Eight cases (6%) lacked expression of all CKs tested. Further examination showed evidence of carcinomatous nature in five cases, and three were diagnosed as MBC following extensive diagnostic work-up and based on our experience. CONCLUSION This study suggests that MBC represents a spectrum of neoplasms, with some lacking CK expression. Sarcomatoid neoplasms of the breast lacking evidence of carcinomatous morphology and CK expression may represent an extreme end of differentiation that can be considered as carcinomas rather than sarcomas for management purposes (following extensive work-up).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad A Rakha
- Department of Histopathology, The University of Nottingham and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cecily M Quinn
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, University College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Pia Foschini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Section of Anatomic Pathology at Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Muñoz Martin
- Department of Histopathology, The University of Nottingham and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - David J Dabbs
- John A. Burns University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA.,Department of Pathology, Magee-Women's Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sunil Lakhani
- Faculty of Medicine and Pathology Queensland, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zsuzsanna Varga
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah E Pinder
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Fernando C Schmitt
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP) and Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge S Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen B Fox
- Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Department of Histopathology, The University of Nottingham and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Puay-Hoon Tan
- Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raluca Mihai
- Department of Histopathology, The University of Nottingham and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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7
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Reddy TP, Rosato RR, Li X, Moulder S, Piwnica-Worms H, Chang JC. A comprehensive overview of metaplastic breast cancer: clinical features and molecular aberrations. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:121. [PMID: 33148288 PMCID: PMC7640663 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is an exceedingly rare breast cancer variant that is therapeutically challenging and aggressive. MpBC is defined by the histological presence of at least two cellular types, typically epithelial and mesenchymal components. This variant harbors a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) phenotype, yet has a worse prognosis and decreased survival compared to TNBC. There are currently no standardized treatment guidelines specifically for MpBC. However, prior studies have found that MpBC typically has molecular alterations in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor, PI3K/Akt signaling, nitric oxide signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, altered immune response, and cell cycle dysregulation. Some of these molecular alterations have been studied as therapeutic targets, in both the preclinical and clinical setting. This current review discusses the histological organization and cellular origins of MpBC, molecular alterations, the role of radiation therapy, and current clinical trials for MpBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejaswini P Reddy
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Roberto R Rosato
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoxian Li
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stacy Moulder
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Helen Piwnica-Worms
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jenny C Chang
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Houston Methodist Cancer Center/Weill Cornell Medicine, OPC 24, 6445 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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8
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Rahimi M, Behjati F, Hamid Reza KK, Karimlou M, Keyhani E. The Relationship between KIT Copy Number Variation, Protein Expression, and Angiogenesis in Sporadic Breast Cancer. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 9:40-49. [PMID: 32821750 DOI: 10.29252/rbmb.9.1.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Background KIT is a protooncogene that encodes for the KIT oncoprotein, which is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor that holds a critical role in a variety of normal physiological and pathological processes including angiogenesis. KIT has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis, contributing to the development of gastrointestinal carcinoma and leukemia. A link between KIT overexpression and breast cancer development has previously been reported. In the current study, we explored KIT gene expression and exonic copy number variants (CNV) and the relationship with angiogenesis (CD34) and the clinicopathological features of breast cancer. Methods MLPA technique was used to determine the CNV in 64 breast cancer tumor samples from patients diagnosed with primary sporadic breast cancer. Results were confirmed by quantitative PCR. Expression of KIT and CD34 was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results Our results show that 28.1% of the tumor samples from patients with primary sporadic breast cancer had CNV in the KIT gene. Among the breast tumor samples, 54.7% showed positive KIT expression. The expression of the CD34 angiogenesis marker was reported in 43.8% of the tumor samples as low, 42.2% as moderate and 14.1% as high. A significant correlation between increased CNV of KIT exons, a high level of angiogenesis (CD34) and increased tumor grade was observed (p< 0.05). Conclusion A significant correlation between the KIT CNV and the angiogenesis marker was found. Examining KIT expression and CNV has the potential to function as a biomarker for tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahimi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, Karaj branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Behjati
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoud Karimlou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Keyhani
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Clinical Research Development Center of Rofeideh Rehabilitation Hospital, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Al-Hilli Z, Choong G, Keeney MG, Visscher DW, Ingle JN, Goetz MP, Jakub JW. Metaplastic breast cancer has a poor response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019; 176:709-716. [PMID: 31119569 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metaplastic breast cancer (MetaBC) is a rare breast cancer subtype poorly responsive to systemic therapy in the metastatic setting with high recurrence rates in the adjuvant setting. However, limited data exist regarding response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We performed a single institutional study to assess the clinical and pathological complete response rates (pCR) of MetaBC to NAC. METHODS Mayo Clinic Rochester patients with MetaBC treated with NAC were identified using the institutional medical index. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, chemotherapy treatment, clinical and pathological response, and long-term outcomes were reviewed. Pathologic response was assessed by direct pathology review (n = 14) or review of outside surgical and pathology reports (n = 4). RESULTS Women with MetaBC (n = 18) received NAC from January 1991 to June 2014. The mean age was 50 years (range 33-79) with a mean tumor size of 5.1 cm (range 2.3-11 cm) and 6/18 had pathologically confirmed lymph nodes prior to surgery. The majority (13/18; 72%) were estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2 negative (TNBC), and 1/18 (5.5%) was HER-2 positive. Five had BRCA testing and 2/5 were BRCA-2 positive. The chemotherapy regimens included anthracycline/cyclophosphamide (AC) (n = 1), AC/taxane (n = 3), AC/taxane/platinum (n = 8), taxane/platinum-based regimens (n = 4), taxane/cyclophosphamide (n = 1) and taxane/trastuzumab (n = 1). Five of 18 (28%) progressed on initial treatment including two who developed metastatic disease during NAC. The overall pCR rate was 2/18 (11%). CONCLUSION MetaBC is poorly responsive to NAC, with a pCR rate (11%), that is lower than expected in a predominantly TNBC cohort. MetaBC patients should be considered for clinical trials testing new NAC regimens and in the absence of clinical trial enrollment, MetaBC patients with resectable disease should proceed directly to definitive operative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Al-Hilli
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Grace Choong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - James N Ingle
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - James W Jakub
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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10
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Rahimi M, Behjat F, Taheri N, Hosseini S, Khorram Khorshid HR, Aghakhani Moghaddam F, Karimlou M, Ghasemi S, Bazazzadegan N, SiratI F, KeyhanI E. Correlation between important genes of mTOR pathway ( PI3K and KIT) in Iranian women with sporadic breast cancer. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2018; 32:135. [PMID: 30815430 PMCID: PMC6387810 DOI: 10.14196/mjiri.32.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is a crucial pathway in the angiogenesis, tumour growth and cell differentiation of several cancers. The PI3K and KIT genes are key genes of this pathway. Previous studies have reported the importance of these genes in the development of gastrointestinal carcinoma, leukaemia, and melanomas. The role of mutations and overexpression of PI3K and KIT genes in breast cancer has been previously proved. This study investigates the correlation between PI3K and KIT gene mutations in sporadic breast cancer. Methods: Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) technique was used to determine the Copy Number Variation (CNV) of PI3K and KIT genes in 34 breast cancer tumours and PCR-sequencing was used to detect the mutation in PI3K exons 9 and 20. Results: Our results reported that 27% of patients had CNV of the KIT gene; whereas, 20% and 17.5% of patients, had mutation and CNV in the PI3K gene, respectively. We did not found a significant correlation between the mutations of PI3K and KIT genes. Conclusion: About two-tenth of the patients revealed CNV and lesser than two-tenth indicated mutation in the PI3K gene, whereas one-third of the patients demonstrated CNV in the KIT gene. Thus, administration of the PI3K and KIT gene inhibitor drugs might be proposed to suppress breast cancer in patients with mutation and CNV of each of these individual genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahimi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Behjat
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Taheri
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Hosseini
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Masoud Karimlou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saghar Ghasemi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Bazazzadegan
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereidoon SiratI
- Cancer Institute, Department of surgery- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe KeyhanI
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Bartels S, van Luttikhuizen JL, Christgen M, Mägel L, Luft A, Hänzelmann S, Lehmann U, Schlegelberger B, Leo F, Steinemann D, Kreipe H. CDKN2A
loss and PIK3CA
mutation in myoepithelial-like metaplastic breast cancer. J Pathol 2018; 245:373-383. [DOI: 10.1002/path.5091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Bartels
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | | | | | - Lavinia Mägel
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Angelina Luft
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Sonja Hänzelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Ulrich Lehmann
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | | | - Fabian Leo
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Doris Steinemann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - Hans Kreipe
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
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12
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Zhou N, Liu C, Hou H, Zhang C, Liu D, Wang G, Liu K, Zhu J, Lv H, Li T, Zhang X. Response to apatinib in chemotherapy-failed advanced spindle cell breast carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:72373-72379. [PMID: 27738308 PMCID: PMC5342168 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spindle cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of metaplastic carcinoma, and no effective chemotherapy special for metaplastic carcinoma exists until now. As spindle cell carcinomas of the breast are typically “Triple Negative”, endocrine therapy and molecular therapy targeted to Her2 might not be favorable, resulting in poor prognosis. Apatinib is currently being tested in patients with breast or lung cancers. Here we report a successful case using Apatinib to treat spindle cell carcinoma of breast. A 52- year- old woman presented with a gradually enlarged lump in left breast, which was revealed to be a triple-negative spindle cell carcinoma, underwent a modified radical mastectomy. After the first line chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide and Epirubicin, multiple metastases in bilateral lung and left anterior thoracic wall appeared. After disease progressed with therapy of Bevacizumab combined with Albumin-bound Paclitaxel and Cisplatin, we treated the patient with Apatinib according to her VEGFR expression, which showed nearly complete response and controllable and tolerated side effects. Next-generation sequencing analysis of the tumor specimen and real time ctDNA was performed to observe the mutated gene numbers matched with therapeutic effect. The present case can help to provide a new and effective therapy strategy to treat advanced spindle cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Congmin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Helei Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guanqun Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kewei Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingjuan Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongying Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tianjun Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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13
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Levva S, Kotoula V, Kostopoulos I, Manousou K, Papadimitriou C, Papadopoulou K, Lakis S, Koukoulias K, Karavasilis V, Pentheroudakis G, Balassi E, Zagouri F, Kaklamanos IG, Pectasides D, Razis E, Aravantinos G, Papakostas P, Bafaloukos D, Rallis G, Gogas H, Fountzilas G. Prognostic Evaluation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Genotype and Phenotype Parameters in Triple-negative Breast Cancers. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2018; 14:181-195. [PMID: 28446533 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) aberrations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but their impact on prognosis and, therefore, druggability, remain controversial. Herein, we studied EGFR aberrations at different molecular levels and assessed their prognostic impact in patients with operable TNBC treated with adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the prognostic impact of EGFR gene status by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), EGFR coding mutations by Sanger and next-generation sequencing, relative EGFR messenger RNA (mRNA) levels by qPCR (upper quartile) and EGFR and p53 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), in 352 centrally-assessed tumors from an equal number of TNBC patients. RESULTS Approximately 53.5% of the tumors expressed EGFR, 59.3% p53 and 35.9% both EGFR and p53 proteins; 4.1% showed EGFR gene amplification and 4.4% carried EGFR mutations. The latter were located outside the druggable kinase domain region and presented at low frequencies. Amplification and mutations overlapped only in one case of glycogen-rich carcinoma. EGFR and CEN7 copies were higher in tumors from older patients (p=0.002 and p=0.003, respectively). Patients with amplified tumors (n=11) had excellent prognosis (0 relapses and deaths). Upon multivariate analysis, high EGFR copies conferred significantly favorable disease-free survival (HR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.90, Wald's p=0.017) and high CEN7 copies favorable overall survival (HR=0.49, 95% CI=0.29-0.83, Wald's p=0.008). Patients with EGFR-/p53+ and EGFR+/p53- tumors had significantly higher risk for relapse than those with EGFR-/p53- and EGFR+/p53+ tumors (HR=1.73, 95% CI=1.12-2.67, Wald's p=0.013). CONCLUSION EGFR gene amplification and mutations are rare in TNBC, the latter of no apparent clinical relevance. Surrogate markers of EGFR-related chromosomal aberrations and combined EGFR/p53 IHC phenotypes appear to be associated with favorable prognosis in patients with operable TNBC receiving conventional adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Levva
- Department of Medical Oncology, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Kotoula
- Department of Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hellenic Foundation for Cancer Research/Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kostopoulos
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hellenic Foundation for Cancer Research/Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Manousou
- Section of Biostatistics, Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group, Data Office, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Papadimitriou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hellenic Foundation for Cancer Research/Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sotiris Lakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hellenic Foundation for Cancer Research/Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Koukoulias
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hellenic Foundation for Cancer Research/Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilios Karavasilis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Eufemia Balassi
- Department of Pathology, Hatzikosta Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Flora Zagouri
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis G Kaklamanos
- Department of Surgery, Agii Anargiri Hospital, University of Athens, School of Health Sciences, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Pectasides
- Oncology Section, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Razis
- Third Department of Medical Oncology, Hygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Aravantinos
- Second Department of Medical Oncology, Agii Anargiri Cancer Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Grigorios Rallis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Helen Gogas
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - George Fountzilas
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Hellenic Foundation for Cancer Research/Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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14
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Rakha EA, Coimbra NDM, Hodi Z, Juneinah E, Ellis IO, Lee AHS. Immunoprofile of metaplastic carcinomas of the breast. Histopathology 2017; 70:975-985. [PMID: 28029685 DOI: 10.1111/his.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of breast cancer; its diagnosis in routine practice can be challenging, and may require immunohistochemical (IHC) characterization if no conventional invasive or in-situ carcinoma is present. Previous IHC studies of MBC often had a small sample size and did not investigate the different histological subtypes. This study aimed to assess the immunoprofile of MBC subtypes in a large series. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 172 MBC diagnosed in routine and referral practice in Nottingham during 26 years were reviewed by three breast pathologists. In addition, data on the immunoprofile of 730 MBC in 61 published studies were analysed. The antibodies to a broad spectrum of cytokeratins (AE1/AE3 and MNF116) are most frequently positive in MBC (approximately 80%). Basal cytokeratins (34βE12, CK5/6, CK14 and CK17) are positive in approximately 70%. Luminal cytokeratins (CK8/18, CK7 and CK19) are positive in approximately 30-60%. Myoepithelial markers are also frequently positive, particularly p63. Oestrogen receptor (ER), progestogen receptor (PR) and HER2 are usually all negative. CD34 (a marker often positive in phyllodes tumours) is consistently negative in MBC. CONCLUSION This study provides data on the frequency of expression of a wide range of markers in MBC based on a large number of tumours. No consistent immunophenotype was identified and no individual marker was positive in all tumours, most probably reflecting the morphological and molecular heterogeneity of this tumour class and the practical need to use a panel of different antibodies when trying to establish the diagnosis of metaplastic breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad A Rakha
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufyia University, Menoufyia, Egypt
| | - Nuno D M Coimbra
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto FG, Porto, Portugal
| | - Zsolt Hodi
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Ian O Ellis
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew H S Lee
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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15
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Rakha EA, Aleskandarany MA, Lee AHS, Ellis IO. An approach to the diagnosis of spindle cell lesions of the breast. Histopathology 2016; 68:33-44. [PMID: 26768028 DOI: 10.1111/his.12865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although most breast spindle cell lesions (BSCLs) are rare, they constitute a wide spectrum of diseases, ranging from reactive processes to aggressive malignant tumours. Despite their varied histogenesis and behaviour, some lesions show an overlap of morphological features, making accurate diagnosis a challenging task, particularly in needle core biopsies. Clinical history and immunohistochemistry can help in making a correct diagnosis in morphologically challenging cases. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is important to maintain a wide differential diagnosis and be familiar with the diverse morphological appearances of these different entities. BSCLs can generally be classified into bland-looking and malignant-looking categories. In the former, the commonest diagnosis is scarring. However, it is important to distinguish low-grade spindle cell metaplastic breast carcinoma from other benign entities, as the management is clearly different. In the malignant category, it is important to differentiate metaplastic carcinoma from other malignant primary and metastatic malignant spindle cell tumours of the breast, such as malignant phyllodes tumour, angiosarcoma, and melanoma. This review focuses on the classification and histological and molecular diagnosis of various BSCLs, with an emphasis on the diagnostic approach, including in core biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad A Rakha
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mohammed A Aleskandarany
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew H S Lee
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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16
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Pourteimoor V, Mohammadi-Yeganeh S, Paryan M. Breast cancer classification and prognostication through diverse systems along with recent emerging findings in this respect; the dawn of new perspectives in the clinical applications. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:14479-14499. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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17
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Leo F, Bartels S, Mägel L, Framke T, Büsche G, Jonigk D, Christgen M, Lehmann U, Kreipe H. Prognostic factors in the myoepithelial-like spindle cell type of metaplastic breast cancer. Virchows Arch 2016; 469:191-201. [PMID: 27220763 PMCID: PMC4978764 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-016-1950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors with difficult to predict biological behavior. A subset of MBC, characterized by spindle-shaped tumor cells with a myoepithelial-like immunophenotype, was entered into a retrospective study (n = 42, median follow-up time 43 months). Molecular parameters (DNA sequences of mutation hot spots in AKT1, ALK, APC, BRAF, CDH1, CTNNB1, EGFR, ERBB2, FBXW7, FGFR2, FOXL2, GNAQ, GNAS, KIT, KRAS, MAP2K1, MET, MSH6, NRAS, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, PTEN, SF3B1, SMAD4, SRC, SRSF2, STK11, TP53, and U2AF1; copy numbers for EGFR, c-myc, FGFR, PLAG, c-met) were assessed. None of the patients had axillary lymph node involvement. In 13 cases, local recurrence developed after surgery (30.9 %). Distant metastasis occurred in seven patients (17 %; four after local recurrence). The most frequent genetic alteration was PIK3CA mutation (50 % of cases). None of the pathological parameters (size, grade, stage, Ki-67 labeling index) was significantly associated with disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS). PIK3CA mutation, especially the H1047R type, tended to adversely affect OS. Type of resection (mastectomy vs. breast-conserving therapy, width of margins) or adjuvant radiotherapy had no influence on DFS or OS, whereas in the group treated with radio-/chemotherapy, no local recurrence or metastasis and no death occurred. We conclude that the spindle cell type of MBC with myoepithelial features exhibits a higher frequency of PIK3CA mutation than other types of metaplastic or basal-like breast cancer and may benefit from combined radio-/chemotherapy. Classical pathological parameters are not helpful in identifying the high-risk tumors among this subgroup of MBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Leo
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Bartels
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lavinia Mägel
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Theodor Framke
- Institute of Biometry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guntram Büsche
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Christgen
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lehmann
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans Kreipe
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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18
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Yadav BS, Chanana P, Jhamb S. Biomarkers in triple negative breast cancer: A review. World J Clin Oncol 2015; 6:252-263. [PMID: 26677438 PMCID: PMC4675910 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v6.i6.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is an intrinsically heterogeneous disease. In the world about 1 million cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually and more than 170000 are triple-negative. Characteristic feature of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is that it lacks expression of oestrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2/neu receptors. They comprise 15%-20% of all breast cancers. We did a systematic review of PubMed and conference databases to identify studies published on biomarkers in TNBC. We included studies with biomarkers including: Epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, c-Myc, C-kit and basal cytokeratins, Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, p53, tyrosinase kinases, m-TOR, heat and shock proteins and TOP-2A in TNBC. We also looked for studies published on synthetic lethality and inhibition of angiogenesis, growth, and survival pathways. TNBC is a complex disease subtype with many subclasses. Majority TNBC have a basal-like molecular phenotype by gene expression profiling. Their clinical and pathologic features overlap with hereditary BRCA1 related breast cancers. Management of these tumours is a challenge to the clinician because of its aggressive behaviour, poor outcome, and absence of targeted therapies. As the complexity of this disease is being simplified over time new targets are also being discovered for the treatment of this disease. There are many biomarkers in TNBC being used in clinical practice. Biomarkers may be useful as prognostic or predictive indicators as well as suggest possible targets for novel therapies. Many targeted agents are being studied for treatment of TNBC.
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19
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Bahreini F, Soltanian AR, Mehdipour P. A meta-analysis on concordance between immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect HER2 gene overexpression in breast cancer. Breast Cancer 2015; 22:615-25. [PMID: 24718809 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-014-0528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We performed this meta-analysis study to evaluate the concordance and discordance between immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in detecting HER2 alteration in human breast cancer. METHODS As a meta-analysis, the present study evaluated the available data from previous studies on the HER2 gene detected by IHC and FISH. To indicate the meta-analysis results, a forest plot was used. RESULTS We identified 172 citations, for which our inclusion criteria were met by 18 articles, representing 6629 cases. The overall concordance and discordance rate between IHC staining with score 0/1+ and FISH for detection failure of HER2 expression was 96 and 4 %, respectively. The present study showed that the overall proportion of FISH positive and negative rate for IHC score 2+ for detection of HER2 expression was 36 and 64 %, respectively; and 91 and 9 % for 3+ IHC scores. CONCLUSION The results of this study show that IHC score 0/1+ and 3+ cannot be completely considered as negative and positive breast cancer test, respectively. Therefore, we suggest a valid and complementary test, the same as FISH, to explore HER2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Bahreini
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina Avenue, 14176-13151, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Soltanian
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, P.O.Box 4171, 65155, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Parvin Mehdipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina Avenue, 14176-13151, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Ross JS, Badve S, Wang K, Sheehan CE, Boguniewicz AB, Otto GA, Yelensky R, Lipson D, Ali S, Morosini D, Chliemlecki J, Elvin JA, Miller VA, Stephens PJ. Genomic profiling of advanced-stage, metaplastic breast carcinoma by next-generation sequencing reveals frequent, targetable genomic abnormalities and potential new treatment options. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2015; 139:642-9. [PMID: 25927147 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2014-0200-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Metastatic metaplastic breast carcinoma (MPBC) is an uncommon, but aggressive, tumor resistant to conventional chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE To learn whether next-generation sequencing could identify potential targets of therapy for patients with relapsed and metastatic MPBC. DESIGN Hybridization capture of 3769 exons from 236 cancer-related genes and 47 introns of 19 genes commonly rearranged in cancer was applied to a minimum of 50 ng of DNA extracted from 20 MPBC formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens and sequenced to high uniform coverage. RESULTS The 20 patients with MPBC had a median age of 62 years (range, 42-86 years). There were 9 squamous (45%), 9 chondroid (45%), and 2 spindle cell (10%) MPBCs, all of which were high grade. Ninety-three genomic alterations were identified, (range, 1-11) with 19 of the 20 cases (95%) harboring an alteration that could potentially lead to a targeted treatment option. The most-common alterations were in TP53 (n = 69; 75%), PIK3CA (n = 37; 40%), MYC (n = 28; 30%), MLL2 (n = 28; 30%), PTEN (n = 23; 25%), CDKN2A/B (n = 19; 20%), CCND3 (n = 14; 15%), CCNE1 (n = 9; 10%), EGFR (n = 9; 10%), and KDM6A (n = 9; 10%); AKT3, CCND1, CCND2, CDK4, FBXW7, FGFR1, HRAS, NF1, PIK3R1, and SRC were each altered in a single case. All 16 MPBCs (100%) that were negative for ERBB2 (HER2) overexpression by immunohistochemistry and/or ERBB2 (HER2) amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization were also uniformly (100%) negative for ERBB2 amplification by next-generation sequencing-based copy-number assessment. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing can identify clinically meaningful alterations that have the potential to guide targeted treatment decisions in most patients with metastatic MPBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Ross
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York (Drs Ross and Boguniewicz and Ms Sheehan); Research and Development, Foundation Medicine, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Drs Ross, Wang, Otto, Yelensky, Lipson, Ali, Morosini, Chliemlecki, Elvin, Miller, and Stephens); and the Department of Pathology, University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis (Dr Badve)
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Zhang Y, Lv F, Yang Y, Qian X, Lang R, Fan Y, Liu F, Li Y, Li S, Shen B, Pringle GA, Zhang X, Fu L, Guo X. Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma: Experience of a Major Chinese Cancer Center. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131409. [PMID: 26115045 PMCID: PMC4482719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare heterogeneous group of primary breast malignancies, with low hormone receptor expression and poor outcomes. To date, no prognostic markers for this tumor have been validated. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics, the response to various therapeutic regimens and the prognosis of MBCs in a large cohort of patients from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital in China. Ninety cases of MBCs diagnosed in our hospital between January 2000 and September 2014 were retrieved from the archives. In general, MBCs presented with larger size, a lower rate of lymph node metastasis, and demonstrated more frequent local recurrence/distant metastasis than 1,090 stage-matched cases of invasive carcinoma of no specific type (IDC-NST), independent of the status of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expressions. The five-year disease-free survival (DFS) of MBC was significantly worse than IDC-NST. Using univariate analysis, lymph node metastasis, advanced clinical stage at diagnosis, high tumor proliferation rate assessed by Ki-67 labeling, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression/gene amplification were associated significantly with reduced DFS, while decreased OS was associated significantly with lymph node metastasis and EGFR overexpression/gene amplification. With multivariate analysis, lymph node status was an independent predictor for DFS, and lymph node status and EGFR overexpression/gene amplification were independent predictors for OS. Histologic subtyping and molecular subgrouping of MBCs were not significant factors in prognosis. We also found that MBCs were insensitive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, routine chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. This study indicates that MBC is an aggressive type of breast cancer with poor prognosis, and that identification and optimization of an effective comprehensive therapeutic regimen is needed.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Breast Neoplasms/mortality
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/mortality
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/therapy
- China/epidemiology
- Female
- Humans
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Studies
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Zhang
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Lv
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiling Yang
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolong Qian
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ronggang Lang
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Beibei Shen
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Gordon A. Pringle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Xinmin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojing Guo
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail:
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Li J, Su W, Zhang S, Hu Y, Liu J, Zhang X, Bai J, Yuan W, Hu L, Cheng T, Zetterberg A, Lei Z, Zhang J. Epidermal growth factor receptor and AKT1 gene copy numbers by multi-gene fluorescence in situ hybridization impact on prognosis in breast cancer. Cancer Sci 2015; 106:642-9. [PMID: 25702787 PMCID: PMC4452167 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway aberrations play significant roles in breast cancer occurrence and development. However, the status of EGFR and AKT1 gene copy numbers remains unclear. In this study, we showed that the rates of EGFR and AKT1 gene copy number alterations were associated with the prognosis of breast cancer. Among 205 patients, high EGFR and AKT1 gene copy numbers were observed in 34.6% and 27.8% of cases by multi-gene fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively. Co-heightened EGFR/AKT1 gene copy numbers were identified in 11.7% cases. No changes were found in 49.3% of patients. Although changes in EGFR and AKT1 gene copy numbers had no correlation with patients' age, tumor stage, histological grade and the expression status of other molecular makers, high EGFR (P = 0.0002) but not AKT1 (P = 0.1177) gene copy numbers correlated with poor 5-year overall survival. The patients with co-heightened EGFR/AKT1 gene copy numbers displayed a poorer prognosis than those with tumors with only high EGFR gene copy numbers (P = 0.0383). Both Univariate (U) and COX multivariate (C) analyses revealed that high EGFR and AKT1 gene copy numbers (P = 0.000 [U], P = 0.0001 [C]), similar to histological grade (P = 0.001 [U], P = 0.012 [C]) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.046 [U], P = 0.158 [C]), were independent prognostic indicators of 5-year overall survival. These results indicate that high EGFR and AKT1 gene copy numbers were relatively frequent in breast cancer. Co-heightened EGFR/AKT1 gene copy numbers had a worse outcome than those with only high EGFR gene copy numbers, suggesting that evaluation of these two genes together may be useful for selecting patients for anti-EGFR-targeted therapy or anti-EGFR/AKT1-targeted therapy and for predicting outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Su
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunhui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaobei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingchao Bai
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiping Yuan
- Beijing Union Medical College Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Linping Hu
- Beijing Union Medical College Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Beijing Union Medical College Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Anders Zetterberg
- Clinical Pathology Department of Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
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Takano EA, Hunter SM, Campbell IG, Fox SB. Low-grade fibromatosis-like spindle cell carcinomas of the breast are molecularly exiguous. J Clin Pathol 2015; 68:362-7. [PMID: 25713418 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-grade fibromatosis-like spindle cell carcinomas are very rare breast carcinomas comprising <0.5% of all breast cancers. They demonstrate immunohistochemical (IHC) features of basal-like/metaplastic breast carcinomas, but the underlying molecular characteristics are unknown. We hypothesised that, as with IHC similarities, there may be common genomic alterations between spindle cell and basal-like/metaplastic carcinomas. METHODS AND RESULTS Genomic mutational profile and genomic copy number aberration (CNA) analyses were performed on three cases of this unusual entity, and findings were compared with that reported for basal-like/metaplastic breast carcinomas. Copy number analyses by molecular inversion probe assays of the three spindle cell carcinoma samples revealed little overall genomic CNAs with only minor changes identified (fraction of the genome altered; 1.3%-6.4%), but with a common 9p21.3 loss in 2 out of 3 samples, with CDKN2A (p16) being a likely candidate. No areas of commonality were identified in an in silico analysis compared with publically available basal-like/metaplastic carcinoma copy number data. CONCLUSIONS These tumours are characterised by low genomic instability, and share no CNAs with other metaplastic carcinomas. These findings favour this entity being a unique group genotype and belie their apparent homogeneous morphology and phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Takano
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally M Hunter
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian G Campbell
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Barquet-Muñoz SA, Villarreal-Colin SP, Herrera-Montalvo LA, Soto-Reyes E, Pérez-Plasencia C, Coronel-Martínez J, Pérez-Montiel D, Vázquez-Romo R, Cantú de León D. Metaplastic breast cancer: a comparison between the most common histologies with poor immunohistochemistry factors. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:75. [PMID: 25881163 PMCID: PMC4340608 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1079-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB) is a rare histological type of breast cancer. This study aimed to determine whether MCB exhibits shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared with other histologies that are considered unfavorable. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 157 clinical file records of the Mexico City-based National Institute of Cancerology and compared the clinical characteristics and treatment of 24 patients with MCB, 37 patients with triple-negative invasive lobular carcinoma (TN-ILC), 48 patients with high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma (HG-IDC), and 48 patients with triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (TN-IDC), paired by clinical stage and age. We performed a comparative analysis and analyzed OS and DFS using a log-rank test. Results In patients with MCB, the 5-year DFS was 52.1% (mean, 48.52 months; 95%: 35.32-61.72), and the 5-year OS was 72.2% (mean, 59.77 months; 95% CI: 48.55-71.00). No differences were observed in the DFS of MCB compared with each of the other histologies (MCB vs. HG-IDC, p = 0.865; MCB vs. TN-IDC, p = 0.966, and MCB vs. TN-ILC, p = 0.132). Moreover, no differences were observed when comparing the OS of MCB with that of each of the other histologies (MCB vs. HG-IDC, p = 0.246; MCB vs. TN-IDC, p = 0.255, and MCB vs. TN-ILC, p = 0.387). Conclusions Neither OS nor DFS differ between patients with MCB and those with other histologies with unfavorable immunohistochemical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ernesto Soto-Reyes
- Direction of Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | | | - Delia Pérez-Montiel
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Rafael Vázquez-Romo
- Department of Breast Tumors, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico.
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25
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Wen LN, Xie MX. Competitive binding assay for G-quadruplex DNA and sanguinarine based on room temperature phosphorescence of Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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26
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Gannon LM, Cotter MB, Quinn CM. The classification of invasive carcinoma of the breast. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 13:941-54. [PMID: 23984896 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2013.820577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The classification of invasive breast carcinoma assists diagnosis, allows for comparison of different patient groups in clinical trials and facilitates epidemiological analysis. For the individual patient, accurate tumor classification informs clinical decision-making with emphasis on assessment of prognosis and treatment formulation. Tumor grade is an independent prognostic indicator and is calculated by assessing specific tumor characteristics microscopically. The Tumor Node Metastasis staging system, produced by the American Joint Committee on Cancer Union for International Cancer Control, combines information about the primary tumor size, the status of the regional lymph nodes and the presence or absence of distant metastases at diagnosis to classify disease. In recent years, the use of gene expression profiling technology has led to the development of the molecular classification of breast cancer and has highlighted the importance of hormone receptor and HER2 oncogenic pathways, with particular reference to targeted chemotherapy. Tumor typing involves the identification of 'no special type' carcinoma with variable clinical, histological and molecular characteristics and 'special type' carcinomas that are usually associated with a particular set of prognostic and predictive indices. Some special type carcinomas have unique biological features that influence diagnostic investigation and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa M Gannon
- Medical student, Health Sciences Building, University College, Dublin 4, Ireland
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27
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Cornejo KM, Kandil D, Khan A, Cosar EF. Theranostic and molecular classification of breast cancer. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2014; 138:44-56. [PMID: 24377811 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2012-0442-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite advances in breast cancer management, women continue to relapse and die of breast cancer. Traditionally, evaluation for hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone), as well as HER2 overexpression, have guided therapy-related decision-making because they are both prognostic and predictive indicators. However, there are limitations with those studies, which can lead to improper treatment. Gene signatures have recently been shown to be of value in identifying molecular portraits of breast carcinoma and are beginning to play role in management and treatment algorithms. OBJECTIVE To provide a summary of the prognostic and predictive indicators of breast cancer, such as hormone receptors, HER2, and molecular gene signatures that currently help guide clinical decision making. DATA SOURCES Published articles from peer-reviewed journals in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine). CONCLUSIONS Emerging evidence shows promise that, in addition to hormone receptors and HER2 studies, evaluating tumors with gene expression profiling can provide additional prognostic and predictive information, further aiding clinical management and leading to a more personalized approach to treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine M Cornejo
- From the Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester
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28
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) share numerous features with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors. Targets of novel therapeutic strategies previously assessed in carcinoid tumors were analyzed in PETs (44 cases). METHODS Activating mutations in EGFR, KIT, and PDGFRA and nonresponse mutations in KRAS were evaluated. Copy number of EGFR and HER-2/neu was quantified by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Expression of EGFR, PDGFRA, VEGFR1, TGFBR1, Hsp90, SSTR2A, SSTR5, IGF1R, mTOR, and MGMT was measured immunohistochemically. RESULTS Elevated EGFR copy number was found in 38% of cases but no KRAS nonresponse mutations. VEGFR1, TGFBR1, PDGFRA, SSTR5, SSTR2A, and IGF1R exhibited the highest levels of expression in the largest percentages of PETs.Anticancer drugs BMS-754807 (selective for IGF1R/IR), 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG, targeting Hsp90), and axitinib (directed toward VEGFR1-3/PDGFRA-B/KIT) induced growth inhibition of human QGP-1 PET cells with IC50 values (nM) of 273, 723, and 743, respectively. At growth-inhibiting concentrations, BMS-754807 inhibited IGF1R phosphorylation; 17-AAG induced loss of EGFR, IGF1R, and VEGFR2; and axitinib increased p21(CDKN1A) expression without inhibiting VEGFR2 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Results encourage further research into multidrug strategies incorporating inhibitors targeting IGF1R or Hsp90 and into studies of axitinib combined with conventional chemotherapeutics toxic to tumor cells in persistent growth arrest.
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29
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Fabi A, Merola R, Ferretti G, Di Benedetto A, Antoniani B, Ercolani C, Nisticò C, Papaldo P, Ciccarese M, Sperduti I, Vici P, Marino M, Gori S, Botti C, Malaguti P, Cognetti F, Mottolese M. Epidermal growth factor receptor gene copy number may predict lapatinib sensitivity in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2013; 14:699-706. [PMID: 23472669 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2013.779672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lapatinib, a dual HER2/EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), associated to capecitabine represents the treatment of choice in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (BC) patients in progression after trastuzumab-based therapy. Though lapatinib-based therapy prolongs the time to progression, its efficacy is often limited by the development of drug resistance. It is aimed to evaluate novel biomarkers predictive of lapatinib response, we analyzed EGFR protein and gene status in a series of 50 metastatic HER2-positive BC patients. METHODS Lapatinib was given at 1250 mg/day continuously and capecitabine at 2000 mg/m(2)/day every 3 weeks. EGFR protein expression and gene copy number (GCN) were assessed by immunohistochemistry and FISH, respectively. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis identified the value of > 3.36 EGFR copies/nucleus as the cut-off point able to discriminate responders versus non-responders. RESULTS A statistical significant correlation between EGFR GCN value > 3.36 and response to lapatinib (p = 0.01) was found. Cox regression analysis further supported these findings evidencing that HER2 score 3+ and EGFR GCN increase are positive predictor factors of lapatinib response. CONCLUSIONS Though further investigations are needed to confirm these findings, EGFR GCN could be a suitable screening to identify the subset of BC patients particularly responsive to the dual TKI lapatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fabi
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology A, Via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
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Cooper CL, Karim RZ, Selinger C, Carmalt H, Lee CS, O'Toole SA. Molecular alterations in metaplastic breast carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2013; 66:522-8. [PMID: 23372178 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2012-201086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast is a rare and heterogeneous subtype of breast carcinoma with a generally poor outcome, and few therapeutic options once disease recurs or progresses. Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast are usually of a larger size at diagnosis, with less frequent nodal metastasis compared with invasive ductal carcinoma no special type, and lack hormone and HER2 receptor expression. Recent research has revealed some potentially actionable genetic changes in a subset of these rare tumours. However, ongoing efforts to further characterise the genetic basis and the molecular alterations underlying the distinctive morphological and clinical characteristics of these tumours are needed in order to identify new targets for treatment. This review will describe the theories of pathogenesis of metaplastic breast carcinoma, and highlight genetic changes and potential therapeutic targets in this generally poor prognosis malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Louise Cooper
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
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31
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Biology and Novel Targets in Metaplastic Breast Cancer. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-011-0064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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32
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Lv N, Xie X, Ge Q, Lin S, Wang X, Kong Y, Shi H, Xie X, Wei W. Epidermal growth factor receptor in breast carcinoma: association between gene copy number and mutations. Diagn Pathol 2011; 6:118. [PMID: 22132735 PMCID: PMC3248849 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-6-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an available target of effective anti-EGFR therapy for human breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of EGFR gene amplification and mutations in breast cancer and to analyze the association between the statuses of these two gene alterations. Materials and methods EGFR gene amplification and mutations were investigated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 139 Chinese female patients with breast cancer by means of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and fluorescently labeled real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Results EGFR gene amplification was observed in 46/139 (33.1%) of cases by FISH. Based on RT-PCR, 2/139 (1.4%) samples had EGFR gene mutations. Overall, only 1 (0.7%) of the cases was identified with both whole gene amplification and mutation, and 92 (66.2%) of cases were negative for both. High gene copy numbers of EGFR had significant correlation with the occurrence of EGFR protein expressions (P = 0.002). Conclusion In this study, EGFR mutations were presented in only two samples, indicating that EGFR mutations should not be employed in future trials with anti-EGFR therapies for breast cancer. However, EGFR whole gene amplification is frequently observed in patients with breast cancer. It will be of significant interest to investigate whether EGFR gene copy number is a suitable screening test for EGFR-targeted therapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Lv
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China
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33
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Rakha EA, Chan S. Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2011; 23:587-600. [PMID: 21524569 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2011.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The triple-negative class (oestrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]-negative) comprises about 15% of breast cancer. It is associated with a poor prognosis compared with tumours that are positive for hormone receptors or HER2. Despite being sensitive to chemotherapy, many women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) relapse quickly, and commonly develop visceral metastasis, including lung, liver and brain metastasis. TNBC has molecular features that overlap with breast cancer in BRCA1 germline mutation carriers and with those of the basal-like molecular class of tumours. Furthermore, tumours with the triple-negative phenotype have specific features and express markers that are potential therapeutic targets, for example an impaired DNA repair mechanism and increased expression of proliferation and basal-associated markers. The presence of these features has important implications for clinical practice and for the design of clinical trials looking at novel therapies. Targeted agents that are currently being investigated include poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and anti-angiogenic compounds. Here we discuss the epidemiology, morphological and molecular spectrum of TNBC, the clinical significance of this important class of breast cancer and the current treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Rakha
- Department of Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, UK.
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34
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van Deurzen CHM, Lee AHS, Gill MS, Menke-Pluijmers MBE, Jager A, Ellis IO, Rakha EA. Metaplastic breast carcinoma: tumour histogenesis or dedifferentiation? J Pathol 2011; 224:434-7. [PMID: 21462188 DOI: 10.1002/path.2872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Global gene expression profiling studies have classified breast cancer into molecular classes, some of which show similarity to normal mammary cells (ie luminal and basal subtypes) with a subsequent histogenetic implication that reinforced the perception that the phenotype of breast cancer reflects the cell of origin. However, it remains to be determined whether phenotypic changes are the result of malignant transformation of particular cancer stem cells (histogenesis) or specific genetic hits occurring at various stages of carcinogenesis (dedifferentiation). We sought to test the hypothesis that dedifferentiation may be the more likely explanation using in vivo clinical data. Our findings support the hypothesis that at least some metaplastic carcinomas are derived from phenotypic transition from conventional mammary adenocarcinoma either at the in-situ, primary invasive stage or at a distant metastatic site. This observation argues against the cell of origin theory (histogenesis) for breast carcinogenesis and favours the concept of tumour dedifferentiation at later stages.
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Basal-like and triple-negative breast cancers: a critical review with an emphasis on the implications for pathologists and oncologists. Mod Pathol 2011; 24:157-67. [PMID: 21076464 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2010.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease encompassing a variety of entities with distinct morphological features and clinical behaviors. Although morphology is often associated with the pattern of molecular aberrations in breast cancers, it is also clear that tumors of the same histological type show remarkably different clinical behavior. This is particularly true for 'basal-like cancer', which is an entity defined using gene expression analysis. The purpose of this article was to review the current state of knowledge of basal-like breast cancers, to discuss the relationship between basal-like and triple-negative breast cancers, and to clarify practical implications of these diagnoses for pathologists and oncologists.
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Gumuskaya B, Alper M, Hucumenoglu S, Altundag K, Uner A, Guler G. EGFR expression and gene copy number in triple-negative breast carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 203:222-9. [PMID: 21156237 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergencyto.2010.07.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2010] [Accepted: 07/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Most basal-like breast carcinomas are estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative, and cerb-B2/HER-2/neu negative--the so-called triple-negative breast carcinomas--with high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, which makes EGFR a target of treatment. We evaluated EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with two different clones (EGFR.31G7 and EGFR.25) and gene copy number by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with Locus specific identifier EGFR/CEP 7 dual probe in 62 triple-negative breast carcinomas. Any complete or incomplete membranous and/or cytoplasmic expression was regarded as IHC positive. Cases showing gene amplification (a ratio of EGFR gene to chromosome 7 of ≥ 2 or 15 copies per cell in ≥ 10% of cells) and high polysomy (≥ 4 copies in ≥ 40% of cells) were considered FISH po sitive. We detected EGFR.31G7 positivity in 38 of 62 cases (61.4%), which was composed of 12 of 62 (19.4%) cytoplasmic, 14 of 62 (22.6%) incomplete membranous, and 12 of 62 (19.4%) complete membranous staining. Among 38 of 49 (77.6%) EGFR.25-positive cases, 7 of 49 (14.3%) exhibited cytoplasmic, 10 of 49 (20.4%) exhibited incomplete membranous, and 21 of 49 (42.9%) exhibited complete membranous staining pattern. Ten of 62 (16.1%) FISH-positive cases were identified; 1 of 62 (1.6%) showed amplification, and the rest showed high polysomy. All FISH-positive cases were also found to be IHC positive (P = 0.01) by both EGFR clones. The amplified case displayed strong complete membranous staining with both clones. Among the high polysomic cases; 4 of 9 (44.4%) incomplete membranous, 4 of 9 (44.4%) complete membranous and 1 of 9 (11.1%) cytoplasmic expression of EGFR.31G7, and 6 of 8 (75%) complete membranous and 2 of 6 (25%) cytoplasmic expression of EGFR.25 were detected. Here, we report that membranous EGFR expression is associated with increased gene copy number (P = 0.035 for EGFR.31G7 and P = 0.026 for EGFR.25 clone). Because the markers to predict anti-EGFR treatment response in other system tumors such as EGFR mutation and amplification seem to be rare events in breast cancer, membranous staining pattern of EGFR might be the best way to decide the patient eligibility for anti-EGFR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berrak Gumuskaya
- 2nd Pathology Department, Ankara Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital, Irfan Bastug cad. Diskapi, Ankara 06110, Turkey.
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Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Metaplastic Breast Carcinomas With Chondroid Differentiation. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2010; 18:526-31. [DOI: 10.1097/pai.0b013e3181e8d54b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Nassar A, Sookhan N, Santisteban M, Bryant SC, Boughey JC, Giorgadze T, Degnim A. Diagnostic utility of snail in metaplastic breast carcinoma. Diagn Pathol 2010; 5:76. [PMID: 21110878 PMCID: PMC3003230 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-5-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare subtype of breast cancer characterized by coexistence of carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. Snail is a nuclear transcription factor incriminated in the transition of epithelial to mesenchymal differentiation of breast cancer. Aberrant Snail expression results in lost expression of the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin, an event associated with changes in epithelial architecture and invasive growth. We aimed to identify the utility of Snail, and of traditional immunohistochemical markers, in accurate MBC classification and to evaluate clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome. We retrospectively reviewed 34 MBC cases from January 1997 to September 2007. The control group contained 26 spindle cell lesions. Immunohistochemistry used Snail, p63, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), OSCAR, and wide spectrum cytokeratin (WS-KER). Negative was a score less than 1%. We found that Snail and EGFR are sensitive (100%) markers with low specificity (3.8% and 19.2%) for detecting MBC. p63 and WS-KER are specific (100%), with moderate sensitivity (67.6% and 76.5%); OSCAR is sensitive (85.3%) and specific (92.3%). A combination of any 2 of the p63, OSCAR, and WS-KER markers increased sensitivity and specificity. MBCs tended to be high-grade (77%), triple negative (negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2) [27/33; 81.8%], and carcinomas with low incidence of axillary lymph node involvement (15%), and decreased disease-free [71% (95%CI: 54%, 94%) at 3 yrs.) and overall survival. A combination of p63, OSCAR and WS-KER are useful in its work-up. On the other hand, Snail is neither a diagnostic nor a prognostic marker for MBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziza Nassar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Park HS, Park S, Kim JH, Lee JH, Choi SY, Park BW, Lee KS. Clinicopathologic features and outcomes of metaplastic breast carcinoma: comparison with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Yonsei Med J 2010; 51:864-9. [PMID: 20879052 PMCID: PMC2995974 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2010.51.6.864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is rare. Its clinicopathologic features and prognosis are uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes in comparison with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the data of 29 patients with MBC and 4,851 patients with IDC, who received surgery at Yonsei University Severance Hospital between 1980 and 2008. Various clinicopathologic features, recurrence free, and overall survival were investigated and compared to each other. RESULTS Stage IV cases at diagnosis were more common in MBC (10.3%) than in IDC (0.9%). The incidence rates of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) were significantly higher in MBC (84.0%) than in IDC (20.1%). Larger tumors (> 2 cm) and lower tendency of axillary metastasis were frequently observed in MBC. Only one of 24 preoperative core needle biopsies (CNB) correctly diagnosed MBC. There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION MBC was characterized by a higher incidence of TNBC, larger tumor size, and lower tendency of axillary metastasis, and was difficult to diagnose with CNB. Although the incidence of stage IV disease at diagnosis was higher in MBC, the survival rates of stage I-III were comparable to those of IDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Seok Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seho Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Hee Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So-Young Choi
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byeong-Woo Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyong-Sik Lee
- Department of Surgery, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
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Weigelt B, Geyer FC, Reis-Filho JS. Histological types of breast cancer: how special are they? Mol Oncol 2010; 4:192-208. [PMID: 20452298 PMCID: PMC5527938 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2010.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Revised: 04/11/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, comprising multiple entities associated with distinctive histological and biological features, clinical presentations and behaviours and responses to therapy. Microarray-based technologies have unravelled the molecular underpinning of several characteristics of breast cancer, including metastatic propensity and histological grade, and have led to the identification of prognostic and predictive gene expression signatures. Furthermore, a molecular taxonomy of breast cancer based on transcriptomic analysis has been proposed. However, microarray studies have primarily focused on invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type. Owing to the relative rarity of special types of breast cancer, information about the biology and clinical behaviour of breast cancers conveyed by histological type has not been taken into account. Histological special types of breast cancer account for up to 25% of all invasive breast cancers. Recent studies have provided direct evidence of the existence of genotypic-phenotypic correlations. For instance, secretory carcinomas of the breast consistently harbour the t(12;15) translocation that leads to the formation of the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene, adenoid cystic carcinomas consistently display the t(6;9) MYB-NFIB translocation and lobular carcinomas consistently show inactivation of the CDH1 gene through multiple molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, histopathological and molecular analysis of tumours from conditional mouse models has provided direct evidence for the causative role of specific genes in the genesis of specific histological special types of breast cancer. Here we review the associations between the molecular taxonomy of breast cancer and histological special types, discuss the possible origins of the heterogeneity of breast cancer and propose an approach for the identification of novel therapeutic targets based on the study of histological special types of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Weigelt
- Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields Laboratories, London WC2A 3PX, UK
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41
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Weigelt B, Baehner FL, Reis-Filho JS. The contribution of gene expression profiling to breast cancer classification, prognostication and prediction: a retrospective of the last decade. J Pathol 2010; 220:263-80. [PMID: 19927298 DOI: 10.1002/path.2648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, the development of microarrays and the ability to perform massively parallel gene expression analysis of human tumours were received with great excitement by the scientific community. The promise of microarrays was of apocalyptic dimensions, with some experts envisaging that it would be a matter of a few years for this technology to replace traditional clinicopathological markers in clinical practice and treatment decision-making. The replacement of histopathology by high-tech and more objective approaches to cancer diagnosis, prognostication and prediction was, at that time, a foregone conclusion. Ten years after the initial publications of translational research studies using microarrays, one cannot deny that this technology has changed the way breast cancer is perceived. It has brought the concept of breast cancer heterogeneity to the forefront of cancer research, and the fact that distinct subtypes of breast cancer are completely different diseases that affect the same anatomical site. Furthermore, it has led to the development of prognostic and predictive 'gene signatures', which are yet to be fully incorporated into clinical practice. Importantly, though, the prognostic and predictive power of microarrays has been shown to be complementary to, rather than a replacement for, traditional clinicopathological parameters. Here we endeavour to provide a fair and balanced assessment of what microarray-based gene expression analysis has taught us in the last decade and its contribution to breast cancer classification, prognostication and prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Weigelt
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, London, UK
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42
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Zeng Z, Hincapie M, Haab BB, Hanash S, Pitteri SJ, Kluck S, Hogan JM, Kennedy J, Hancock WS. The development of an integrated platform to identify breast cancer glycoproteome changes in human serum. J Chromatogr A 2009; 1217:3307-15. [PMID: 19782370 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation represents one of the major post-translational modifications and can have significant effects on protein function. Moreover, changes in the carbohydrate structure are increasingly being recognized as an important modification associated with cancer etiology. In this report, we describe the development of a proteomics approach to identify breast cancer related changes in either concentration and/or the carbohydrate structures of glycoprotein(s) present in blood samples. Diseased and healthy serum samples were processed by an optimized sample preparation protocol using multiple lectin affinity chromatography (M-LAC) that partitions serum proteins based on glycan characteristics. Subsequently, three separate procedures, 1D SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing and an antibody microarray, were applied to identify potential candidate markers for future study. The combination of these three platforms is illustrated in this report with the analysis of control and cancer glycoproteomic fractions. Firstly, a molecular weight based separation of glycoproteins by 1D SDS-PAGE was performed, followed by protein, glycoprotein staining, lectin blotting and LC-MS analysis. To refine or confirm the list of interesting glycoproteins, isoelectric focusing (targeting sialic acid changes) and an antibody microarray (used to detect neutral glycan shifts) were selected as the orthogonal methods. As a result, several glycoproteins including alpha-1B-glycoprotein, complement C3, alpha-1-antitrypsin and transferrin were identified as potential candidates for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zeng
- Barnett Institute and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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43
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Geyer FC, Lopez-Garcia MA, Lambros MB, Reis-Filho JS. Genetic characterization of breast cancer and implications for clinical management. J Cell Mol Med 2009; 13:4090-103. [PMID: 19754664 PMCID: PMC4496116 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00906.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a genetic disease caused by the accumulation of mutations in neoplastic cells. In the last few years, high-throughput microarray-based molecular analysis has provided increasingly more coherent information about the genetic aberrations in breast cancer. New biomarkers and molecular techniques are slowly becoming part of the diagnostic and prognostic armamentarium available for pathologists and oncologists to tailor the therapy for breast cancer patients. In this review, we will focus on the contribution of breast cancer somatic genetics to our understanding of breast cancer biology and its impact on breast cancer patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe C Geyer
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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44
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[Genome-wide expression profiling as a clinical tool: are we there yet?]. DER PATHOLOGE 2009; 30:141-6. [PMID: 19219435 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-008-1104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing a plethora of histological types and clinical courses. Current histopathological classification systems for breast cancer are based on descriptive entities that are of prognostic significance. Few prognostic markers beyond those offered by histopathological analysis are available. Furthermore, a very limited armamentarium of predictive biomarkers has been introduced in clinical practice. High throughput molecular technologies are reshaping our understanding of breast cancer, of which microarray-based gene expression has received the most attention. This method has been successfully used to derive a molecular taxonomy for breast cancer, which has provided interesting insights into the biology of the disease. Microarray-based class prediction studies have generated a multitude of prognostic/predictive signatures. Although these signatures have not been fully translated to clinical practice as yet, they herald the promise of an improvement in breast cancer treatment decision-making. It should be noted, however, that most of the signatures developed to date seem to have discriminatory power almost restricted to oestrogen receptor-positive disease. This review addresses the contribution of gene expression profiling to our understanding of breast cancer and its clinical management and what has yet to be done for these classifiers to be incorporated in clinical practice.
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45
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Orlando FA, Brown KD. Unraveling breast cancer heterogeneity through transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 2009; 16:2270-9. [PMID: 19452229 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-009-0500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Revised: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 04/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer diversity is histologically evident as various proliferative benign lesions, in situ carcinomas, and invasive carcinomas that may develop into distant metastases. Breast tumor molecular subtypes have been defined by genome-wide expression microarray technology and reveal associations between genetic alterations and the malignant phenotype. Early work has been conducted to use subtype-specific biomarkers to elucidate targeted treatment options early in the course of breast cancer progression. Additionally, DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that contributes to breast cancer progression by transcriptionally silencing certain tumor suppressor genes. Among the genes characterized as targets for silencing are well-established tumor suppressors such as RASSF1A, RARB, SFN, and TGM2. Measuring elevated gene copy number and aberrant gene promoter methylation can further facilitate characterization of breast tumor molecular subtype; however, profiling of breast tumors based on epigenetic criteria has yet to be established. Epigenomic analysis has been investigated for clinical applicability, and it has great promise when used in combination with minimally invasive techniques for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A Orlando
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine and UF Shands Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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46
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Gwin K, Lezon-Geyda K, Harris L, Tavassoli FA. Chromosome 7 aneusomy in metaplastic breast carcinomas with chondroid, squamous, and spindle-cell differentiation. Int J Surg Pathol 2009; 19:20-5. [PMID: 19411277 DOI: 10.1177/1066896909334127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Metaplastic breast carcinomas (MBCs) are basal-like tumors that frequently express epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via an unknown underlying genetic mechanism. In this study, the EGFR/CEP7 gene copy number in 17 MBCs with chondroid, squamous, and spindle-cell differentiation showing EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry was analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization. All cases had a balanced EGFR/CEP7 ratio. EGFR gene amplification was not observed in any case. Monosomy was found in 25% and polysomy in 12.5% of carcinomas with chondroid differentiation. All spindle-cell carcinomas and 50% of squamous carcinomas showed trisomy. Comparison with CEP7 copy number revealed aneusomy of chromosome 7, as opposed to increases or decreases specific to the EGFR gene or 7p. Although no direct correlation between EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry and aneusomy was observed, cases with a score of 3+ showed a higher frequency of EGFR gene copy gain. In the absence of EGFR amplification, chromosome 7 aneusomy might be a useful criterion for the determination of potential candidates for EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Gwin
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Triple-negative breast cancer has been of great interest to oncologists because these cancers do not benefit from hormonal therapies or treatments targeted against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 receptors. The only systemic therapy currently available is chemotherapy, and prognosis remains poor. We would like to describe recent pathological and genetic advancements and their possible implications on the development of new treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS Increasing pathological and molecular knowledge has led to a better understanding of breast cancer in general. Triple-negative breast cancer, however, remains a heterogeneous subgroup with difficult-to-define subtypes. New targeted therapies are currently being developed and researched. SUMMARY The recent advances in pathological and molecular knowledge have changed the landscape of breast cancer, with triple-negative breast cancer emerging as a pathological and clinical heterogeneous group. The main challenge lies in the development of new tailored treatment strategies for the various subgroups, with receptor kinase inhibition as the most promising new evolution to date. Further trials are needed to validate these new treatment options.
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48
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He M, Young CYF. Mutant epidermal growth factor receptor vIII increases cell motility and clonogenecity in a prostate cell line RWPE1. J Endocrinol Invest 2009; 32:272-8. [PMID: 19542748 DOI: 10.1007/bf03346466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth faxtor receptor (EGFR)-vIII mutant has been demonstrated to over-express as prostatic neoplasms progressed from intraepithelial changes to metastatic disease. In this study, we transfected the EGFRvIII expression vector into an immortalized normal prostate epithelium cell line RWPE-1 and established stable transfectants. The cell growth, glandular morphogenesis, cell motility, and soft-agar colony formation efficiency were then studied. The results showed that EGFR-vIII mutation increased the RWPE1 cell motility and clone formation efficiency, while it had no significant effect on the cell growth when compared to non-transfected as well as mock transfected RWPE-1 cells. Moreover, EGFR-vIII changed the RWPE1 acinar morphogenesis. Further study showed that these effects of EGFR-vIII mutation may be related to down-regulation of E-cadherin and up-regulation of beta-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M He
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
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49
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Correa Geyer F, Reis-Filho JS. Microarray-based Gene Expression Profiling as a Clinical Tool for Breast Cancer Management: Are We There Yet? Int J Surg Pathol 2008; 17:285-302. [DOI: 10.1177/1066896908328577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing several histological types and clinical behaviors. Current histopathological classification systems are based on descriptive entities with prognostic significance. Few prognostic and predictive markers beyond those offered by histopathological analysis are available. High-throughput molecular technologies are reshaping our understanding of breast cancer, of which microarray-based gene expression has received most attention. This method has been used to derive a molecular taxonomy for breast cancer, which has provided interesting insights into the biology of the disease. Class prediction studies have generated a multitude of prognostic/predictive signatures, which herald the promise for an improvement in treatment decision making. However, most of the signatures developed to date seem to have discriminatory power almost restricted to estrogen receptor—positive disease. This review addresses the contribution of gene expression profiling to our understanding of breast cancer and its clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Correa Geyer
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK,
| | - Jorge Sergio Reis-Filho
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK,
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50
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Metaplastic breast carcinomas are basal-like breast cancers: a genomic profiling analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2008; 117:273-80. [PMID: 18815879 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-008-0197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metaplastic breast carcinomas (MBCs) comprise a group of aggressive and chemotherapy resistant cancers characterised by neoplastic cells displaying differentiation towards squamous epithelium or mesenchymal elements. Previous histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of MBCs suggested that these cancers would have a basal-like profile. METHODS We investigated the molecular subtype of 20 MBCs using microarray-based expression profiling data. These data were compared with those of 79 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs) of basal-like phenotype by unsupervised hierarchical clustering, supervised analysis and pathway analysis. RESULTS We demonstrate that 95% of all MBCs are of basal-like molecular subtype. Furthermore, unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis and pathway analysis of the profiles of MBCs revealed that MBCs are part of the spectrum of basal-like breast cancers. Significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) identified 1,385 transcripts differentially expressed between MBCs and IDCs of basal-like phenotype. Pathway analysis using these genes revealed that DNA repair pathways, including BRCA1 pathway, PTEN, a gene whose loss of function is associated with resistance to chemotherapy, and TOP2A, the molecular target of anthracyclines, are significantly downregulated in MBCs compared to basal-like IDCs. These findings may at least in part explain the reported poor responses to chemotherapy of MBCs. Furthermore, MBCs showed significantly higher expression of genes related to myoepithelial differentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that MBCs are part of the spectrum of basal-like breast carcinomas and display a myoepithelial and EMT-like molecular make-up. The reported poorer response to chemotherapeutic agents in patients with MBCs may stem from downregulated DNA damage response pathways, PTEN and TOP2A.
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