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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
ERCC1 expression in triple negative breast cancer
C Ozkan1, B Gumuskaya, S Yaman
1Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) was overexpressed in about two-thirds of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors. This ERCC1 overexpression may indicate a poor response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) is key in DNA repair, removing platinum-induced DNA adducts.
- ERCC1 overexpression is linked to platinum chemotherapy resistance in ovarian and lung cancers.
- Identifying ERCC1 status is crucial for tailoring treatments in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ERCC1 overexpression in TNBC patients.
- To assess the potential of ERCC1 as a predictive biomarker in TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis using a monoclonal antibody against ERCC1.
- Evaluation of 45 TNBC tumor samples by two blinded pathologists.
- Semi-quantitative H score calculation and classification of tumors as ERCC1-positive (H score ≥ 1).
Main Results:
- ERCC1 expression was positive in 73.3% of TNBC samples (H score ≥ 1).
- 26.7% of samples showed negative ERCC1 expression (H score < 1).
- 15.5% of tumors exhibited diffuse and intensive ERCC1 staining.
Conclusions:
- Approximately two-thirds of TNBC tumors demonstrate ERCC1 overexpression.
- ERCC1 positivity in TNBC may predict a diminished response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
