Dr. Elias Obeid on Androgen Receptor Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Summary

This study reveals significant findings in triple-negative breast cancer treatment. It reports estrogen receptor expression at 17%, aligning with previous studies that suggest a 15-20% range. The research, the largest dataset to date, also highlights overexpression of EGFR and HER2 in antigen receptor-negative cancers, suggesting potential targeted therapies like EGFR inhibitors or PI3 kinase inhibitors. In androgen receptor-positive cancers, low expression of TS and TOP2A with overexpression of other genes indicates the potential use of 5-FU, capecitabine, or taxanes. These insights pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The study found that estrogen receptor expression is present in about 17% of cases, which is consistent with previous studies that reported 15-20%.
• 📊 This is the largest dataset analyzed for this condition, making it a significant contribution to the field.
• 🚫 In triple negative breast cancers, also known as quadruple negative, there is an overexpression of EGFR and HER2, along with a loss of P-cadherin.
• 🎯 The presence of these markers suggests the potential for targeted therapy, specifically EGFR-targeted treatments like cyclins or PI3 kinase inhibitors.
• 🧬 In androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer, there is a low expression of TS and TOP2A, with an overexpression of other genes.
• 💊 This finding points to the use of alternative treatments such as 5-FU or capecitabine, which are fluoropyrimidines, for this group of patients.
• 🩺 The identification of different gene expressions in various subtypes of triple negative breast cancer allows for personalized treatment strategies.
• 🛑 Targeted therapies can now be considered for estrogen receptor positive breast cancers, in addition to standard chemotherapy.
• 🧬 The study emphasizes the importance of genetic profiling in guiding treatment options for breast cancer patients.
• 📈 The data from this study could lead to more effective treatment plans and potentially better outcomes for patients with breast cancer.
• 🔑 Understanding the genetic landscape of breast cancer is crucial for developing new and more precise therapeutic approaches.

Q & A

What percentage of estrogen receptor expression was found in the current study?

Estrogen receptor expression was found in about seventeen percent of the cases in the current study.

What is the significance of the current study in comparison to previous studies?

The current study is the largest dataset so far regarding estrogen receptor expression, making it a significant contribution to the field.

What are antigen receptor negative triple negative breast cancers also known as?

Antigen receptor negative triple negative breast cancers are also referred to as quadruple negative breast cancers.

What overexpression was found in quadruple negative breast cancers in comparison to estrogen receptor positive breast cancers?

In quadruple negative breast cancers, there was an overexpression of EGFR and HER2 along with a loss of PTEN compared to estrogen receptor positive breast cancers.

What targeted therapy could be considered for quadruple negative breast cancers based on the study findings?

Targeted therapy like EGFR targeted treatments, which may include the use of cyclins or PI3 kinase inhibitors, could be considered for quadruple negative breast cancers.

What is the expression status of TS and TOP2A in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer according to the study?

In androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer, there is a low expression of TS and TOP2A.

Which other genes were found to be overexpressed in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer?

The study found that other unspecified genes were overexpressed in androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer.

What types of treatments could be used for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer based on the study?

Treatments such as 5-FU, capecitabine, or taxanes could be used for androgen receptor positive triple negative breast cancer.

How does the study suggest approaching treatment for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer?

The study suggests targeting estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients with targeted agents as well as combination therapy with other chemotherapeutic agents.

What does the term 'targeted therapy' refer to in the context of this study?

In the context of this study, 'targeted therapy' refers to treatments that specifically aim at molecular pathways or proteins that are overexpressed or mutated in cancer cells, such as EGFR or PI3 kinase.

What is the implication of the findings for future research and treatment strategies for breast cancer?

The findings imply that future research and treatment strategies for breast cancer could focus on identifying specific molecular markers and using targeted therapies or combination therapies to treat different subtypes of breast cancer more effectively.