CD61+ and CAF+ were found to be good prognosis factors for invasive breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: During the epithelial tumor development process, changes in tumor cell genes are an important driving factor for tumorigenesis. Recently, however, studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment, especially for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the infiltration of platelets into tumors, plays an essential role in the progression of human malignant disease.

METHODS: In this study, we investigated the presence and prognostic role of podoplanin-expressing CAFs (CAF+), the infiltration of platelets into tumors (CD61+) and platelet count before surgery in a large sample of patients with breast cancer. Podoplanin expression and platelet infiltration were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 164 patients with breast cancer.

RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (44%) showed CAF+, while fifty-seven patients (35%) showed CD61+. Several strong positive correlations were found, including CD61+ with blood platelet count before surgery (P=0.004), and CAF+ with CD61+ (P=0.048). Patients with CAF+, CD61+ or platelet count >280×109 /L before surgery had a significantly shorter disease-free survival according to univariate analysis. Multivariable analysis showed that CAF+ was an independent prognostic factor (Hazard ratio=3.928; p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: CAF+ and CD61+ were found to be good negative prognosis factors for invasive breast cancer patients. CD61+ also had strong positive correlation with blood platelet count before surgery. These targets may be used as strategies for the treatment of breast cancer in the future.