Prediction of prognosis in primary breast cancer by detection of a high molecular weight mucin-like antigen using monoclonal antibodies DF3, F36/22, and CU18: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B study.

Abstract

Three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) (DF3, F36/22, CU18) were used to monitor expression of distinct epitopes present within a family of mucin-like, breast carcinoma-associated molecules. Primary tumor specimens from more than 190 stage II breast cancer patients were evaluated for expression of the high molecular weight antigens. With a median follow-up of 6 years, patients whose tumors exhibited high immunoperoxidase staining scores (greater than 50% positive cells) with MAb DF3 had a superior disease-free survival ([DFS] 56% +/- 6% v 37% +/- 5% at 6 years; P = .0088) and overall survival ([OS] 72% +/- 5% v 59% +/- 5% at 6 years; P = .025). Staining scores with the other two antibodies did not correlate with improved prognosis. For MAbs DF3 and CU18, patients whose tumors exhibited predominantly apical cellular reactivity patterns had improved DFS, although differences reached conventional levels of statistical significance only with MAb CU18. In multivariate analyses, the prognostic value of MAb DF3 staining was independent of other identified prognostic factors. Furthermore, the concordance between primary and axillary lymph node metastases staining with each MAb was 73%, 80%, and 85% for MAbs DF3, F36/22, and CU18, respectively. These results suggest that staining with MAb DF3 identifies a group of node-positive women with a relatively favorable prognosis. Expression of the DF3 mucin-like glycoprotein is related to better differentiation, and staining with MAb DF3 provides an accurate and objective estimate of clinical outcome independent of histopathologic evaluation.

Expression of mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC and MUC6) and their prognostic significance in human breast cancer

“…46 The associations between cytoplasmic expression and poor outcome and between apical expression and favourable outcome have also, been reported. 47,48 Other studies, however, found no association between either level of expression or the site of expression and outcome. [49][50][51] In our series, MUC2 was expressed with a very high frequency in mucinous carcinomas compared with other tumour types as previously reported.…”

Relationships among Serum CA15-3 Tumor Marker, TNM Staging, and Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Expression in Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions

“…CA15-3 is a mucin belonging to a large family of glycoprotein encoded by the MUC1 gene (Hayes et al, 1991) that are heterogeneously expressed on the apical surface of normal epithelial cell types, including those of the breast (Hayes et al, 1991). CA15-3 is elevated in breast DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2012.13.3.857 Serum CA15-3 in Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions cancer patients with distant metastases and recurrences (Shering et al, 1998).…”

Pathogenesis of invasive micropapillary carcinoma: role of MUC1 glycoprotein

“…[26][27][28][29][30] Intercellular/circumferential labeling was associated with a high incidence of lymph node metastases as well. 28 Interestingly, none of these labeling patterns (intracytoplasmic or intercellular) is seen in invasive micropapillary carcinoma despite the high propensity of the tumor for lymph node metastases and its poor prognosis. Our finding in invasive micropapillary carcinoma, however, provides further evidence that any aberrant localization of MUC1 in the tumor cells (intracytoplasmic, intercellular, or basal) confers to the tumor a worse prognosis and possibly a high propensity to disseminate.…”