Abstract FOXO3a dysregulation is frequently implicated in tumorigenesis, and its inhibition can occur by several molecular mechanisms. Among these, post-transcriptional suppression by miRNAs has been associated with various cancers initiation. Here, we assessed the expression profiles of the most relevant miRNAs for breast tumorigenesis, using Luminal A (LA) and Triple-Negative (TN) breast cancer from Brazilian patients, by the quantitative real time-PCR method. Their potential prognostic role for the patients was also evaluated. We identified the miRNAs miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p, de-scribed as negative regulators of FOXO3A, with differential expression both in LA and TN tumors when compared to normal tissue. The miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p miRNAs were upregulated in LA (7.82 times, p < 0.005; 6.12 times, p < 0.005, respectively) and TN breast cancer samples (9.42 times, p < 0.0001; 8.51 times, p < 0.0001) compared to normal tissues. The samples with higher miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p expression (FR ≥ 4) were submitted for FOXO3a immunostaining. Reduced protein detection was observed in all of the tumors compared to normal tissues. The most prominent miRNA expression and FOXO3a protein suppression were observed in TN samples (p < 0.001), indicating the relevant role of these molecules in this tumor biology and clinical behavior. Our results corroborate the literature regarding to the relevance of FOXO3a in the breast cancer, and they open new perspectives for alternative target therapy options for Brazilian patients expressing both FOXO3a and its regulatory miRNAs.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a análise dos marcadores imunoistoquímicos obtidos por meio de espécimes de core biopsy (CB) refletem com precisão o perfil dos marcadores tumorais obtidos por biópsia cirúrgica excisional (BCE). MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo usando dados da Divisão de Mastologia do Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo. Sessenta e nove pacientes submetidas à CB guiada por ultrassom com diagnóstico de câncer de mama foram analisadas retrospectivamente. O exame imunoistoquímico dos espécimes de CB foram comparados com aquele obtido a partir da BCE em relação ao receptor de estrogênio (RE), receptor de progesterona (RP), human epidermal gowth factor receptor 2 gene (HER2), p53 e Ki-67. A análise de concordância entre a CB e a BCE foram realizados usando o coeficiente de kappa (k) (IC 95%). RESULTADOS: A concordância perfeita entre a BCE e a CB do p53 (k = 1,0; IC 95%: 0,76-1,0) foi identificada. A concordância foi quase perfeita para o RE (k = 0,89; IC 95%: 0,65-1,0) e concordância substancial foi identificada para o RP (= 0,70; IC 95%: 0,46-0,93). O HER2 (k = 0,61; IC 95%: 0,38-0,84) e Ki-67 (k = 0,74; IC 95%: 0,58-0,98) obtiveram uma concordância substancial nesta análise. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados deste estudo indicam que a análise imunoistoquímica do RE, RP, Ki-67 e p53 a partir dos espécimes de CB fornecem resultados que refletem com precisão o perfil dos marcadores do tumor. O HER2 foi menos consistente, porque apesar de ter produzido uma concordância substancial, os valores foram muito próximos da concordância moderada.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether immunohistochemical marker studies performed on core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens accurately reflect the marker status of the tumor obtained from final surgical specimen. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that used the database of the Division of Mastology of the Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brazil. Sixty-nine patients submitted to ultrasound-guided CNB diagnosed with breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on core biopsy specimens was compared to that of excisional biopsy regarding estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal gowth factor receptor 2 gene (HER2), p53, and Ki67. The analysis of the concordance between CNB and surgical biopsy was performed using the kappa (k) coefficient (95% CI). RESULTS: A perfect concordance between the labeling in the surgical specimens and the preoperative biopsies in p53 (k = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.76-1.0) was identified. There was an almost perfect concordance for ER (k = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.65-1.0) and a substantial concordance for PR (k = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.46-0.93). HER2 (k = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38-0.84) and Ki-67 (k = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58-0.98) obtained a substantial concordance this analysis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the immunohistochemical analysis of ER, PR, Ki-67, and p53 from core biopsy specimens provided results that accurately reflect the marker status of the tumor. The concordance rate of HER2 was less consistent; although it produced substantial concordance, values were very close to moderate concordance.