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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Expression of somatostatin type-2 and -4 receptor and correlation with histological type in breast cancer
Albane Frati1, Roman Rouzier2, Bénédicte Lesieur1
1Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.
Background:
Somatostatin is produced by hypothalamic cells and also by tumors. We were interested to evaluate the somatostatin type 2 (SSTR2) and type 4 (SSTR4) receptor expression on a large sample cohort of breast cancer cases.
Materials And Methods:
We used two different Tissue Micro Arrays (TMA) to evaluate SSTR2 and SSTR4 distribution. We evaluated the correlation between SSTR2 and SSTR4 expression and 18 tumor cells markers. We also assessed SSTR mRNA expression on an independent breast cancer population and correlated levels of SSTR2 and SSTR4 expression to molecular breast cancer subtypes.
Results:
268 tumors were analyzed. The tumor overexpression of estrogen receptor was significantly correlated to the expression of SSTR2 (p=0.05) and SSTR4 (p=0.04). On principal component analysis, SSTR2 subtype characterized the luminal tumor type. On an independent breast cancer population, expression of SSTR2 and SSTR4 are independent from Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Her2) and correlated with luminal tumors.
Conclusion:
Expression of somatostatin receptors is a marker of luminal breast tumors.
Insights
Somatostatin receptors (SSTR2 and SSTR4) are expressed in breast tumors. Their expression is linked to luminal breast cancer subtypes, suggesting they may serve as diagnostic markers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Somatostatin is produced by hypothalamic cells and tumors.
- Somatostatin receptors (SSTR2 and SSTR4) expression in breast cancer requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate SSTR2 and SSTR4 expression in a large cohort of breast cancer cases.
- To correlate SSTR expression with tumor markers and molecular subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Tissue Micro Arrays (TMA) to assess SSTR2 and SSTR4 distribution in 268 tumors.
- Evaluated correlations between SSTR expression, 18 tumor cell markers, and molecular subtypes.
- Assessed SSTR mRNA expression in an independent breast cancer population.
Main Results:
- Estrogen receptor overexpression significantly correlated with SSTR2 and SSTR4 expression.
- SSTR2 expression was characteristic of luminal breast tumor types.
- SSTR2 and SSTR4 expression were independent of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Her2) and correlated with luminal tumors.
Conclusions:
- Somatostatin receptor expression serves as a marker for luminal breast tumors.
- SSTR2 and SSTR4 may be potential biomarkers for specific breast cancer subtypes.
