Investigation of Intra-tumour Heterogeneity and Host Immune Response in Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Approximately 15% of breast cancer patients have an aggressive subtype termed triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Mortality is due to difficulties in treating and controlling metastatic growth. Earlier predictors are urgently needed for accurate classification of patients into specific risk groups. Here, I investigated the relationship between intra-tumour heterogeneity through a gene signature from circulating tumour cells and the degree of lymphocytic infiltration in TNBC tumours to develop a potential biomarker of aggressive tumour progression. I have found that high intra-tumour heterogeneity was correlated with a high infiltration of B and helper T lymphocytes in primary TNBCs. In addition, highly heterogeneous tumours that have high infiltration of B lymphocytes were associated with good prognostic outcomes. These findings may have significant implications in understanding tumour progression in the breast, while potentially improving therapeutic decision-making in the clinic.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Zaldy Balde
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3156012074