Increased SOX2 expression in less differentiated breast carcinomas and their lymph node metastases

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• SOX2 is a crucial regulatory gene in embryonic stem cells.
• Its role in breast carcinoma development and progression is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of SOX2 in breast carcinoma.
• To analyze the correlation of SOX2 with clinicopathological features, biomarkers, and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemical analysis of SOX2 expression in 57 ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS), 552 invasive breast carcinomas, and 107 metastatic lymph nodes.
• Correlation analysis with clinicopathological parameters, biomarker profiles (ER, PR, Ki67, neuroendocrine markers, stem cell markers), and patient survival.

Main Results:

• SOX2 was detected in 19% of invasive breast carcinomas and 12.3% of DCIS.
• Expression correlated with larger tumor size, higher grade, and positive association with Ki67 and neuroendocrine markers.
• SOX2 expression was negatively associated with Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) and showed higher rates in metastatic lymph nodes.
• High SOX2 expression correlated with poor disease-free survival and was an independent prognostic factor in patients with high nodal stages.

Conclusions:

• SOX2 expression is associated with an adverse profile in breast carcinoma.
• SOX2 serves as a potential prognostic marker for poor outcomes in specific patient groups, particularly those with advanced nodal disease.