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Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
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Clinical, Epidemiologic, and Pathologic Significance of ERBB2-Low Expression in Breast Cancer
Thaer Khoury1, Lucas Mendicino2, Rochelle Payne Ondracek2
1Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.
JAMA Network Open
|March 22, 2024
Summary
Breast cancer (BC) with low ERBB2 expression (ERBB2-low) may be a distinct entity from ERBB2-negative BC. ERBB2-low tumors, particularly hormone receptor-negative ones, show better survival outcomes compared to ERBB2-negative tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Distinguishing breast cancer (BC) with low ERBB2 expression (ERBB2-low) from ERBB2-negative BC is crucial for understanding distinct clinical behaviors.
- Previous studies have not clearly defined ERBB2-low BC as a unique entity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical, pathological, and epidemiological features of ERBB2-low BC versus ERBB2-negative BC in a large, diverse population.
- To determine if ERBB2-low BC represents a distinct biological and clinical entity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 2200 women with BC from the prospective Pathways Study (2006-2013) was analyzed.
- ERBB2-low was defined as immunohistochemistry scores of 1+ or 2+, while ERBB2-negative was defined as 0+.
- Survival outcomes (overall survival, recurrence-free survival, BC-specific mortality) were compared between ERBB2-low and ERBB2-negative groups, stratified by hormone receptor status and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
Main Results:
- ERBB2-low tumors were identified in 57.2% of the cohort.
- Within the hormone receptor-negative subgroup, ERBB2-low BC showed significantly better overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and BC-specific mortality compared to ERBB2-negative BC.
- Higher TILs in ERBB2-low tumors correlated with improved survival outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests significant clinical, pathological, and epidemiological differences between ERBB2-low and ERBB2-negative breast cancer.
- ERBB2-low breast cancer may represent a distinct biological entity, particularly within the hormone receptor-negative subtype.
- These findings warrant further investigation into the unique characteristics and treatment strategies for ERBB2-low breast cancer.
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