<p>SOX10 – A Novel Marker for the Differential Diagnosis of Breast Metaplastic Squamous Cell Carcinoma</p>

Abstract

Introduction: Differential diagnosis of metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma of breast (MSCCB) is difficult. In particular, in terms of metastatic MSCCB, because of the low speciality of traditional markers such as mammaglobin, gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDFP-15) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3), the most common problem is differentiating the spread of MSCCB to the lung from a primary lung squamous cell carcinoma. It is urgently required to explore a novel marker to aid in differential diagnosis. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore a novel marker to aid in the differential diagnosis of MSCCB from other squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in other organs. Methods: We tested the expression of SOX10 in 375 human SCC specimens with immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: In a series of 20 MSCCB, 9 (45%) were positive for SOX10. All of them were triple-negative MSCCB. Conversely, SOX10 was totally negative in another 205 SCC originating from lung, skin, cervix, oral mucosa, and esophagus. In a series of 150 triplenegative breast cancer and their metastatic foci, SOX10 labeling in the primary tumor and metastasis was 78% and 79.3%, respectively, and the agreement rate was 97.3% (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that SOX10 was recommended for differentiating MSCCB from non-mammary metastasis to the breast, as well as for distinguishing primary SCC from metastatic MSCCB, and SOX10 may be valuable in the pathological diagnosis of breast-derived metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma.

Epigenome erosion and SOX10 drive neural crest phenotypic mimicry in triple-negative breast cancer

“…2h ). Consistent with previous reports 37 , 50 , we also detected nuclear SOX10 in an independent cohort of metaplastic breast cancers (MBC; Asia-Pacific Metaplastic Breast Cancer consortium 51 ). Compared to cross-sectional cases, SOX10 staining was more heterogeneous in MBCs, and was not associated with TN status (Supplementary Fig.…”

Epigenome erosion drives neural crest-like phenotypic mimicry in triple-negative breast cancer and other SOX10+ malignancies

“…Consistent with previous reports 37,50 , we also detected nuclear SOX10 in an independent cohort of metaplastic breast cancers (MBC; from the Asia-Pacific Metaplastic Breast Cancer consortium 51 ). Compared to cross-sectional cases, SOX10 staining was more heterogeneous in the MBC cohort and was not associated with TN status (Fig- S2j); but was prognostic in MBCs with a TN phenotype (Fig- 2g).…”

Expression of SOX10 in Triple-Negative Breast Carcinoma in Pakistan

“…The goal of this study is to emphasize that SOX10 is consistently positive in TNBC with increasing grade of tumor and in diagnosing unknown primary; hence, it can be helpful for pathologists to avoid misleading diagnoses at metastatic sites. SOX10 expression may lead to confusion in diagnosis but many studies have proven that breast carcinomas, particularly basal-like, triple-negative phenotypes, are also labeled by SOX10 [19]. This study is the continuation of a similar study conducted by Katharina et al in Germany [20].…”

“…A similar study conducted in China by Linfang et al showed concordant results [18]. Hence, SOX10 has promising utility in the diagnosis and can help in molecular classification [19]. However, when we encounter triple-negative breast cancer, particularly at metastatic sites, it is challenging to diagnose even with a particular clinical presentation.…”

“…Breast carcinomas exhibit the greatest levels of SOX10 expression, which has been linked to stem-like properties and the promotion of mesenchymal transition [19]. The theory that TNBC derives from myoepithelial cells of the breast explains why SOX10 is expressed more in TNBC [21].…”