EGFR and AR expression and co-expression in Indian triple-negative breast cancer with patient outcome association
EGFR-AR co-expression is associated with poorer disease‑free survival in Indian triple‑negative breast cancer and identifies a subgroup with potential therapeutic implications.
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous disease lacking established molecular targets. To characterize molecular diversity within Indian TNBCs, we analysed 93 tumour samples for the expression of EGFR, CK5/6, and androgen receptor (AR) and examined their association with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes. EGFR expression was detected in 65 % of tumours and AR in 38 %. EGFR‑positive tumours were of higher grade and had a significant association with vimentin positivity and a trend toward shorter disease‑free survival. AR‑positive tumours exhibited lower vimentin expression, suggesting a less mesenchymal phenotype, but paradoxically showed a trend toward poorer survival. Approximately 25 % of the tumours displayed co‑expression of EGFR and AR, and 15 % contained EGFR‑positive, AR‑positive, double‑positive tumour cells, as detected by multiplex immunofluorescence. Patients harbouring such double‑positive cells showed a trend toward poorer DFS. Single‑cell RNA‑sequencing data from independent TNBC cohorts confirmed the presence of EGFR⁺‑AR⁺ tumour cells at lower frequencies (0.8‑5 %). These findings suggest that EGFR‑AR co‑expression in TNBC tumours is defined as an exploratory group with potential therapeutic implications to combat the increased risk of recurrence.
This study identifies a distinct molecular subgroup of Indian TNBC patients characterised by concurrent EGFR and AR expression, which is associated with more aggressive disease behaviour and poorer disease‑free survival. It highlights the possibility of dual EGFR‑AR pathway inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for a population that currently lacks targeted options.
Bizonyítékszint: Állatkísérletes. Állatmodellben vizsgálták.
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