Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
11:12

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material

Published on: August 1, 2018

8.9K

Nuclear expression of snail is an independent negative prognostic factor in human breast cancer

S Muenst1, S Däster, E C Obermann

  • 1Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Schoenbeinstraße 40, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.

Disease Markers
|November 6, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nuclear Snail expression is an independent negative predictor of prognosis in breast cancer. This finding suggests Snail may be a potential therapeutic target for improving patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Snail protein regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tumor cells.
  • Nuclear Snail expression is linked to aggressive cancer behavior and poor survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of Snail expression in breast cancer.
  • Determine Snail's prognostic value in a large cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Tissue microarray analysis of 1043 breast cancer cases.
  • Correlation of Snail expression with clinicopathological features.
  • Multivariate analysis for overall survival (OS).

Main Results:

  • Snail expression detected in 25.4% of breast cancers.
  • Associated with larger tumor size, higher stage/grade, lymph node positivity, and hormone receptor negativity.
  • Differentially expressed across intrinsic subtypes (highest in basal-like, lowest in luminal A).
  • Independent negative prognostic factor for OS, particularly in luminal B and basal-like subtypes.

Conclusions:

  • Nuclear Snail expression is an independent negative predictor of prognosis in breast cancer.
  • Suggests Snail as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

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