Data from Expression of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Cell Adhesion Molecule 6 Oncoprotein in Atypical Ductal Hyperplastic Tissues Is Associated with the Development of Invasive Breast Cancer

Abstract

<div>Abstract<p><b>Background:</b> Epidemiologic studies have established that women with prior atypical ductal hyperplastic (ADH) lesions have a 5-fold increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer (IBC). However, there is currently no means of identifying a subclass of ADH from women who will most likely develop cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether elevated expression of carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) in ADH tissues is associated with the development of IBC.</p><p><b>Methods:</b> A retrospective study was conducted with archival ADH tissues and clinical information on the development/nondevelopment of IBC. The control group was ADH from patients who had no prior history of IBC and did not develop cancer within 5 years after the diagnosis of ADH (<i>n</i> = 44). The test group was ADH from patients who either developed cancer concurrently or subsequently after diagnosis (ADHC; <i>n</i> = 44). The expression of CEACAM6 was studied by immunohistochemistry and the results were statistically analyzed for significant association to develop cancer (<i>P</i> value), specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.</p><p><b>Results:</b> Of the 44 control ADH tissues from patients with no history of cancer, 9 were positive for CEACAM6. Among the ADHC tissues, 40 of 44 samples were positive. Statistical analysis of CEACAM6 expression data showed a significant association between its expression and cancer development, high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.</p><p><b>Conclusions:</b> The expression of CEACAM6 in ADH lesions is strongly associated with the development of IBC, therefore, it can be applied as a diagnostic marker either singly or in combination with other marker(s) to predict IBC development in women with ADH lesions. It could also be a potential molecular therapeutic target for preventing IBC.</p></div>