Prognostic impact of CD133 immunoexpression in node-negative invasive breast carcinomas

Abstract

Background: Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are able to prepare the site for incoming neoplastic cells. Among different markers of HPCs, which one should be considered the most efficient was investigated.

Patients and methods: Five hundred and seventy-nine non-metastatic lymph nodes from 49 patients affected by invasive breast cancer were submitted to an immunohistochemical comparative analysis of hematopoietic (CD34), endothelial (CD133), mesenchymal (CD117) progenitors and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1, also known as Flt1). The cases with an intensity-distribution score >3 were considered as high HPC expressors. Survival univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: Fifteen out of the 49 patients were recorded as HPC high expressors based on the immunohistochemical VEGFR1 staining. A highly significant relationship was found between high HPC immunoexpression and the development of distant metastasis as well as the occurrence of bone localization (p<0.001). By univariate analysis, CD133 showed a highly significant value regarding metastatic localizations in the bone; by multivariate analysis, CD133 emerged as the only independent prognostic variable.

Conclusion: CD133 expression shows a potential predictive role, thus representing a helpful tool for the management of breast cancer.