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Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Expression in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cases in Benin City
D O Owolabi1, I Obahiagbon1, M O Udoh1
1Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. E-mail: doubra.owolabi@uniben.edu, Phone number: +234 (803) 626-5424.
Background:
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) have been particularly challenging to manage due to their lack of intrinsic cellular receptors and a consequent lack of targetable therapy. Recently, the programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint pathway has become the focus of immunotherapy in general, and especially for TNBCs. This study aimed to determine the pattern of expression of PD-L1 in TNBC cases in Benin City.
Methods:
Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of TNBC cases diagnosed in the Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria from 1st January, 2017 to 31st December, 2019 were re-sectioned for PD-L1 immunohistochemistry.
Result:
Ninety-two cases of TNBCs were tested for PD-L1 expression. Thirteen (14.1%) of the TNBC cases were PD-L1 positive of varying degrees in tumour cells. Diffuse tumoural PD-L1 staining was seen in four (30.8%) of the PD-L1 positive cases. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with increasing age up to the fifth decade (p =0.030). All the PD-L1 positive TNBCs were invasive breast carcinomas of no special type and mostly grade 2 tumours; however, there was no significant association between PD-L1 expression and histological subtype or grade.
Conclusion:
PD-L1 expression was shown to occur at a relatively lower rate among TNBC cases in this southern region of Nigeria, and was significantly associated with increasing age. About 14.1% (1 in 7) of our TNBC patients could potentially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. We therefore recommend further PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assay for TBNC cases and the use of appropriate immune therapy when indicated.
Insights
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression occurs in 14.1% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) in Benin City, Nigeria. This finding suggests a subset of TNBC patients may benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies due to absent cellular receptors.
- The programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway is a key target for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in TNBC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of PD-L1 in triple-negative breast cancer cases in Benin City, Nigeria.
- To assess the potential of PD-L1 expression as a biomarker for immunotherapy in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded TNBC tissue blocks.
- Immunohistochemistry staining for PD-L1 expression on tumor cells.
Main Results:
- PD-L1 expression was detected in 14.1% of 92 TNBC cases.
- Diffuse tumoral PD-L1 staining was observed in 30.8% of PD-L1 positive cases.
- PD-L1 expression showed a significant association with increasing age up to the fifth decade (p=0.030).
Conclusions:
- PD-L1 expression is present at a lower rate in TNBC cases in southern Nigeria.
- Approximately 14.1% of TNBC patients in this cohort may be candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
- Further PD-L1 testing and consideration of immunotherapy for indicated TNBC cases are recommended.
