The relationship of tumour-associated macrophages (CD68, CD163, CD11c) and cancer stem cell (CD44) markers with prognostic parameters in breast carcinomas.

Introduction: In invasive breast cancer (IBC), tumour-associated macrophages and cancer stem cells in the tumour microenvironment are thought to be associated with poor prognosis, tumour growth, and metastasis.

Material and methods: In this study, we evaluated the relationship of CD68, CD163, CD11c, and CD44 expressions in the tumour microenvironment of IBC with prognostic parameters by immunohistochemical method.

Results: A correlation was found between high histological grade, oestrogen receptor/ progesterone receptor negativity, and high Ki-67 index in IBC, and the number of CD68-, CD163-, and CD11c-positive macrophages in the tumour microenvironment. In addition, in the tumour microenvironment, a correlation was found between IBC-specific subtypes and CD68, luminal A subtype relative to luminal B and CD163, HER2 score 3 cases, and CD11c-positive macrophage count. It was observed that CD44 expression in the tumour in IBC was not associated with the parameters examined. In addition, a high-level linear correlation was found between CD68- and CD163- and CD11c-positive macrophage counts. Tumour-associated macrophages in the tumour microenvironment in IBC may be a novel prognostic factor and an alternative avenue for targeted therapies.

Conclusions: The fact that CD44 positivity in the tumour is not associated with prognostic parameters will contribute to the literature in this direction.