Differential Claudin 3 and EGFR Expression Predicts BRCA1 Mutation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Cancer Invest. 2018;36(7):378-388. doi: 10.1080/07357907.2018.1499934. Epub 2018 Aug 24.

Abstract

BRCA-1 mutation-associated triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been hypothesized to exhibit a phenotype that is distinct from non-mutation carriers. We have analyzed immunohistochemically detected cytokeratins 5 and 14, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), claudin (CLDN) 3, 4, and 7, and E-cadherin in 57 TNBC (32 BRCA1 and 8 BRCA2 tumors, 17 WT tumors). Positive staining of CLDN3 and negative EGFR expression in TNBC are associated with a BRCA1 mutation. EGFR and CLDN3 expression was able to predict the presence of BRCA1 mutation (area under curve 0.802, p < 0.001). This could help in guiding the decision for BRCA testing.

Keywords: BRCA1; BRCA2; Claudin 3; Epidermal growth factor receptor; Immunohistochemistry; Triple-negative breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Area Under Curve
  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / genetics
  • Claudin-3 / analysis*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • ErbB Receptors / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Phenotype
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • ROC Curve
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1 protein, human
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CLDN3 protein, human
  • Claudin-3
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors