Genomic Insights Improve Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Prognosis
Findings highlight four to five unique subtypes within breast cancer based on gene expression profiles
In a recent study published in Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Semin Lee, PhD, associate professor, and his research team from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)—in collaboration with Ji-Yeon Kim, PhD, professor, and Im Young Hyuck, MD, PhD, professor, Department of Hematology-Oncology at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul—explore the genetic prospects of triple-negative apocrine carcinoma.
What is apocrine carcinoma?
Apocrine carcinoma, a rare breast cancer subtype, has garnered attention due to its unique genetic characteristics and improved prognosis when compared to other forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Triple-negative apocrine carcinoma accounts for only 1–4 percent of all breast cancers. While it falls under the category of TNBC, which is characterized by the absence of hormone receptors and epidermal growth factor receptors, this particular subtype exhibits a more favorable prognosis than other TNBC subtypes. However, due to limited studies on triple-negative apocrine carcinoma, treatment criteria have remained ambiguous.
In their study, the researchers employed advanced molecular biological methods to conduct multi-omics analyses to unravel novel insights into this rare form of breast cancer.
Findings of the study
The findings revealed distinct genomic characteristics that impact the prognosis for patients with triple-negative apocrine carcinoma. The researchers identified four to five unique subtypes within breast cancer based on gene expression profiles.
Notably, patients with triple-negative apocrine carcinoma exhibited similarities to Luminal A breast cancer—a subtype associated with better prognostic outcomes. The study confirmed an impressive five-year disease-free survival rate for these patients at 92.2 percent, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC (59.1 percent).
“This research has the potential to guide treatment decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery and predict patient survival outcomes,” explained Sabin Park, first author of the study.
As breast cancer continues to be a significant global health concern affecting millions of lives, studies like these play a crucial role in advancing personalized treatment approaches based on specific genetic mutations. The groundbreaking insights gained from Lee’s team provide hope for improved clinical management and better prognostic outcomes for patients diagnosed with triple negative apocrine carcinoma.
- This press release was originally published on the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology website