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Cyclin D1 in breast cancer.
1Hedley Atkins/ICRF Breast Pathology Laboratory, Guy's Hospital, London, UK. barnesd2@icrf.icnet.uk
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
|March 5, 1999
Summary
Cyclin D1 protein, often over-expressed in breast cancer, is linked to a better prognosis and response to endocrine treatment, contrary to initial expectations for this cell cycle regulator.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Cycle Regulation
Background:
- Cyclin D1 (CCND1) gene amplification occurs in ~20% of mammary carcinomas, with protein over-expression in ~50%.
- CCND1 is considered a weak oncogene, and its over-expression was initially expected to correlate with poor breast cancer prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical significance of cyclin D1 as a prognostic marker in breast cancer.
- To reconcile unexpected clinical findings with basic cell biology research on CCND1.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of cyclin D1 expression in breast cancer tissues.
- Evaluation of cell cycle proteins, including p27, in relation to cyclin D1 and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Strong cyclin D1 staining is associated with well-differentiated, estrogen receptor-positive breast carcinomas.
- Cyclin D1 over-expression correlates with a favorable prognosis and better response to endocrine therapy.
- Cyclin D1 is frequently over-expressed in ductal carcinoma in situ but not in benign breast conditions.
Conclusions:
- Clinical studies are essential to validate the prognostic value of molecular markers like cyclin D1.
- Cyclin D1 over-expression in breast cancer may indicate a favorable outcome, challenging earlier assumptions.
- Positive association found between cyclin D1 and p27 expression, suggesting coordinated roles in cell cycle regulation and prognosis.