The HOXB13 : IL17BR biomarker: prognostic for late recurrence and predictive for benefit from endocrine therapy

Abstract

SUMMARY Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer accounts for more than two-thirds of breast cancer cases. While much attention has been focused on metastatic recurrence during the first 5 years following diagnosis, more than half of distant recurrences occur beyond 5 years. Several studies have demonstrated significant patient benefit for extended adjuvant therapy, but there is a clinical need for biomarkers that can identify patients who are at risk for late distant recurrence and would benefit from extended therapy. The HOXB13:IL17BR gene-expression ratio has been repeatedly validated as a prognostic breast cancer biomarker that estimates risk independent of clinicopathological factors, including tumor grade. Recent studies have revealed that the HOXB13:IL17BR ratio is both prognostic for late recurrences and predictive for endocrine therapy response.