PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF EGFR2 AND KI-67 OVEREXPRESSION WITH DOWNREGULATION OF MIR-17 AND MIR-1307 IN FEMALE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer has distinct epidemiological patterns and heterogeneity. EGFR2 and Ki-67 are significant in determining the progression and therapeutic response in breast cancer. Additionally, miR-17 and miR-1307 are critical regulators of tumorigenesis. Our research investigates the function of these biomarkers across breast cancer progression, diagnostic and treatment response.

Methods: Fifty-Three women with breast cancer and 25 healthy women were analyzed. ELISA was used to evaluate the concentrations of EGFR2 and Ki-67. For gene expression, qPCR was used to analyze the gene expression of miR-17 and miR-1307. The diagnostic value of the proteins and miRNAs, with significance set at a p-value <0.001 for all tests.

Results: The study found a significant increase in EGFR2 and Ki-67 proteins in patients compared to controls. The concentration of EGFR2 in lobular carcinoma showed a significantly higher concentration compared to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) and Mixed carcinoma, with a p-value of 0.001. Regarding Ki-67, Lobular carcinoma had significantly higher levels compared to IDC, with a p-value of 0.03. ROC curve analysis revealed excellent diagnostic accuracy for EGFR2 and Ki-67. Positive correlation was shown between EGFR2 and Ki-67 with each other, also miR-17 and miR-1307 showed a positive correlation with other. On the other hand, a negative correlation was seen between the protein level and gene expression.

Conclusion: This study found elevated EGFR2 and Ki-67 levels in breast cancer patients, indicating tumor aggressiveness, while the downregulation of miR-17 and miR-1307 suggests reduced tumor-suppressive activity. Their inverse correlation supports their use in diagnostic and treatment monitoring.