Stratification using hTERT and stem cell markers confers a good prognosis in invasive breast cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of a previously identified panel of 10 stem cell markers stratified against the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) in human breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The mRNA copy numbers of these genes were determined using real time quantitative PCR in 124 breast cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Relations between mRNA levels and survival were analysed using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression analysis. Results: Five genes (BMI1, NES, POU5F1, ALDH1A2 and CDKN1A) correlated with survival when stratified with hTERT and predicted overall (Wilcoxon: p=0.004; Cox: p=0.006) and disease-free (Wilcoxon: p<0.000; Cox: p=0.000) survival. Conclusion: This panel of genes stratified by hTERT could open new avenues for the development of new prognostic tools, as well as for the identification of new research directions regarding breast oncogenesis.