Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2025

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

8.1K

Molecular classification of hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer

Xi Jin1, Yi-Fan Zhou1, Ding Ma1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.

Nature Genetics
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified four molecular subtypes of hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. This classification aids in developing targeted therapies for endocrine therapy resistance and distant relapse.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Precision Medicine

Background:

  • Hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer is the most common type.
  • Endocrine therapy resistance and distant relapse are significant challenges in managing this subtype.
  • Precise molecular classification is crucial for effective, personalized treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish molecular subtypes within HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
  • To investigate the distinct biological and clinical features of identified subtypes.
  • To explore potential subtype-specific therapeutic approaches and diagnostic tools.

Main Methods:

  • Establishment of a large-scale multi-omics cohort (579 patients).
  • Identification and characterization of four molecular subtypes: canonical luminal, immunogenic, proliferative, and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-driven.
  • Development of convolutional neural network models for subtype classification using digital pathology.

Main Results:

  • Four distinct molecular subtypes of HR+/HER2- breast cancer were identified.
  • Subtypes exhibit unique biological and clinical characteristics, influencing treatment strategies.
  • The RTK-driven subtype shows poor outcomes due to RTK pathway activation.
  • The immunogenic subtype, with enriched immune cells, may benefit from immune checkpoint therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular classification of HR+/HER2- breast cancer reveals significant heterogeneity.
  • Subtype-specific therapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint therapy for the immunogenic subtype, are promising.
  • Digital pathology-based classification using AI offers potential for clinical translation and precision treatment.

More Related Videos

Building Up a High-throughput Screening Platform to Assess the Heterogeneity of HER2 Gene Amplification in Breast Cancers11:34

Building Up a High-throughput Screening Platform to Assess the Heterogeneity of HER2 Gene Amplification in Breast Cancers

Published on: December 5, 2017

12.7K
Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells08:28

Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells

Published on: May 9, 2025

170

Related Concept Videos

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
6.5K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.7K
Types of Hormones02:13

Types of Hormones

Hormones can be classified into three main types based on their chemical structures: steroids, peptides, and amines. Their actions are mediated by the specific receptors they bind to on target cells.
79.0K
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
1.4K
Intracellular Hormone Receptors01:08

Intracellular Hormone Receptors

Lipid-soluble hormones diffuse across the plasma and nuclear membrane of target cells to bind to their specific intracellular receptors. These receptors act as transcription factors that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in the target cell
55.4K
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR...
2.1K