Localization and hypersecretion of nerve growth factor in breast phyllodes tumors: Evidence from a preliminary study

The pathophysiology of the breast phyllodes tumors is uncertain. Currently, wide surgical removal is the only available treatment option. The histopathological diagnosis of phyllodes tumors is often confused with that of fibroadenomas due to a striking histological resemblance.

To identify a distinctive biomarker for phyllodes tumors of the breast.

Fresh human breast tissue was obtained from surgically excised breast phyllodes and fibroadenoma tumors (test), breast cancer (positive control) and normal breast tissue (negative control). Immunohistochemistry and Sandwich ELISA were performed for the detection of nerve growth factor (NGF) in test and control tissues. A marked difference in NGF expression was detected in phyllodes tumors compared to fibroadenomas. The maximum NGF expression was observed in phyllodes tissue followed by cancer tissue, and the least expression in fibroadenomas (3-5 times less than in phyllodes; comparable with normal breast tissue).

NGF secretion by a benign breast tumor is not known in literature. This study reports abundant NGF secretion by breast phyllodes, raising the possibility of its potential role in tumor pathogenesis and progression that can be exploited therapeutically. Additionally, NGF may be used as a distinct biomarker of phyllodes tumors, for differentiating them from fibroadenomas during histopathology.