Prognostic Relevance of Progesterone Receptor Levels in Early Luminal-Like HER2 Negative Breast Cancer Subtypes: A Retrospective Analysis.

Abstract

Introduction:

In luminal-like early breast cancer (BC), the lack of Progesterone Receptor (PR) expression generally correlates with more aggressive behavior but the clinical validity of low PR levels remains a debated issue.

Methods:

The main aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess the survival outcome (Breast cancer specific survival, BCSS) in a cohort of 687 luminal-like HER2 negative early BC patients treated at our Institutions from January 2000 to December 2018, using a sub-classification of tumors in subgroup 1 (PR high/Ki67 low), subgroup 2 (PR high/Ki67 high), subgroup 3 (PR low/Ki67 low), subgroup 4 (PR low/Ki67 high) according to PR and Ki67 values.

Results:

At a median follow-up of 7 years, BCSS rates were 96.3%, 89%, 86.8% and 85% in the subgroup 1, 2, 3, 4 respectively. Overall, a statistically significant difference in BCSS rates was observed among the 4 subgroups (p=0.0036). On univariate analysis, post-menopause, older age (≥ 50 years), low PR and high Ki67 expression, poorly differentiated grade and size ≥ 2 cm as well as luminal B-like tumors (subgroups 2, 3, 4) were significantly associated with a worse BCSS. Multivariate analysis identified grade, size and subgroup classification of BC as independent prognostic markers of poorer outcome. In particular, subgroups 4, 3 and 2 displayed a significantly higher risk of BC-related death (HR=4.11; p=0.008; HR=3.43; p=0-007; HR=2.57; p=0.020, respectively) when compared to subgroup 1.

Conclusions:

Our results support the usefulness of PR and Ki67 levels as prognostic markers, corroborating their crucial role in the decision-making process of patients with luminal-like HER2 negative early BC. Clinical application of these parameters should be assessed prospectively.

• Authors: Anna Diana, Francesca Carlino, Giuseppe Buono, Giuliano Antoniol, Vincenzo Famiglietti, Carmine De Angelis, Simone Carrano, Antonio Piccolo, Ferdinando De Vita, Fortunato Ciardiello, Bruno Daniele, Grazia Arpino, Michele Orditura
• Journal: Frontiers in oncology (Front Oncol) Vol. 12 Pg. 813462 ( 2022) ISSN: 2234-943X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 35419293 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Diana, Carlino, Buono, Antoniol, Famiglietti, De Angelis, Carrano, Piccolo, De Vita, Ciardiello, Daniele, Arpino and Orditura.