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Updated: May 26, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Receptor changes in metachronous breast tumors--our experience of 10 years
Jasneet Singh Bhullar1, Amruta Unawane, Gokulakkrishna Subhas
1Department of Surgery, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Southfield, MI, USA. drjsbhullar@gmail.com
Introduction:
Patients with primary breast cancer (PBC) are at 2 to 6 times higher risk for developing synchronous and metachronous breast cancer (MBC). The pathology and behavior of MBC still remains unclear.
Methods:
We reviewed the charts of 108 women with MBC at our hospital over the past 10 years. Profile patterns of the estrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone receptor (PR), and Her2/neu receptors were explored.
Results:
Of 33 patients with ER(+)/PR(+) in the primary tumor, 23 (70%) retained the status in MBC. Forty-five (92%) of 49 patients with ER(-)/PR(-) in the primary tumor remained the same in MBC. Most Her2(-) tumors (22/31, 71%) remained negative, but 50% (8/16) of Her2(+) tumors became negative.
Conclusions:
Most MBC retained the ER/PR expression patterns irrespective of the treatment for the primary tumor, thus suggesting a common origin. Because MBCs tend to be triple negative and thus more aggressive, early detection and close surveillance techniques must be devised.
