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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Fatty acid synthase expression and its association with clinico-histopathological features in triple-negative breast
Ariadna Giró-Perafita1, Ariadna Sarrats1, Ferran Pérez-Bueno1,2
1New Terapeutics Targets Laboratory (TargetsLab), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
Abstract:
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) has poor prognosis and no approved targeted therapy. We previously showed that the enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN) was largely expressed in a small TNBC patients' cohort and its inhibition synergized with cetuximab in TNBC preclinical mouse models. Here, we evaluated FASN and EGFR expression in a cohort of TNBC patients and we study their prognostic role and their association with clinico-histopathological features, intrinsic TNBC subtypes and survival. FASN, EGFR, CK5/6 and vimentin expression were retrospective evaluated by Immunohistochemistry in 100 primary TNBC tumors. FASN expression was classified into high and low FASN groups. EGFR, CK5/6 and vimentin expression were used in TNBC intrinsic subtypes classification. FASN was expressed in most of the TNBC patients but did not correlate with overall survival or disease-free survival in this cohort. High FASN group was significantly associated with positive node status. FASN expression was significantly higher in Basal-Like patients than in Mesenchymal-Like ones. EGFR expression was positive in 50% of the tumors, and those patients showed poorer DFS. Altogether, our findings provide a rationale for further investigation the prognostic role of FASN and EGFR expression in a larger cohort of TNBC patients.
Insights
Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is common in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but not directly linked to survival. High FASN correlates with lymph node involvement and specific TNBC subtypes, suggesting a potential prognostic role.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and lack of targeted therapies.
- Previous research indicated fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression in TNBC and its synergistic potential with cetuximab in preclinical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and prognostic significance of FASN and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in a cohort of TNBC patients.
- To analyze the association of FASN and EGFR expression with clinico-histopathological features, intrinsic TNBC subtypes, and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective immunohistochemical evaluation of FASN, EGFR, CK5/6, and vimentin in 100 primary TNBC tumors.
- Classification of FASN expression into high and low groups and TNBC intrinsic subtypes based on established markers.
- Statistical analysis to correlate biomarker expression with clinical parameters and survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- FASN was expressed in the majority of TNBC patients; high FASN expression was associated with positive lymph node status and higher levels in Basal-Like TNBC compared to Mesenchymal-Like subtypes.
- FASN expression did not correlate with overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) in this cohort.
- EGFR positivity was observed in 50% of tumors, and these patients exhibited poorer DFS.
Conclusions:
- While FASN expression did not directly predict survival in this TNBC cohort, its association with lymph node status and specific subtypes warrants further investigation.
- EGFR expression may serve as a negative prognostic indicator for disease-free survival in TNBC.
- These findings provide a basis for exploring the prognostic value of FASN and EGFR in larger TNBC patient cohorts.
