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B7-H3 Expression in Breast Cancer and Brain Metastasis
Vaibhavi Joshi1, Kate Beecher1, Malcolm Lim1
1UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 13, 2024
Summary
B7-H3 expression is common in breast cancers and brain metastases, suggesting it is a promising target for immunotherapies. This immune checkpoint molecule correlates with aggressive disease and poor survival, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Brain metastasis presents a significant clinical challenge in breast cancer management.
- Immunotherapies offer a promising treatment strategy for brain metastases.
- B7-H3 (CD276) is an immune checkpoint molecule linked to poor patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate B7-H3 expression in primary breast cancers and brain metastases.
- To assess B7-H3 as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer brain metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze B7-H3 expression.
- Tissue microarrays from three clinical cohorts were examined: primary breast cancers, breast cancer brain metastases, and mixed brain metastases.
- Expression levels and subcellular localization of B7-H3 were correlated with clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- B7-H3 expression was significantly associated with higher tumor grades, aggressive breast cancer subtypes, and poorer 5-year survival.
- Cytoplasmic B7-H3 staining correlated with worse breast cancer-specific survival.
- B7-H3 was frequently detected in breast cancer brain metastases (up to 90%), but less so in metastases from colorectal and renal tumors.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of B7-H3 in breast cancers and their brain metastases supports its potential as an interventional target.
- B7-H3-targeted therapies, such as CAR T cell therapies, may offer new treatment opportunities for patients with breast cancer brain metastasis.
