GATA-binding protein 3 enhances the utility of gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 and mammaglobin A in triple-negative breast cancer by immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Aims: We have demonstrated previously that gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDFP-15) and mammaglobin A (MAM) are of limited utility in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) is an emerging breast-associated immunohistochemical (IHC) marker with limited data in TNBC. Here, we examined GATA-3 expression in TNBC in comparison with GCDFP-15 and MAM.

Methods and results: We studied GATA-3, GCDFP-15 and MAM IHC expression in 62 primary and 68 metastatic TNBCs. In primary TNBCs, GATA-3 staining was observed in 25 cases (40%), including 16 cases that were negative for GCDFP-15 and MAM. In metastatic TNBCs, GATA-3 staining was observed in 30 cases (44%), including 16 cases that were negative for GCDFP-15 and MAM. The expression frequency of any of the markers was 56% in primary and 62% in metastatic TNBCs. However, when focal staining was excluded, the expression frequency of any marker dropped to 31% and 44%, respectively.

Conclusion: GATA-3 is expressed at a higher frequency by IHC in TNBC compared to GCDFP-15 and MAM, although the tissue specificity of the latter markers may be superior. When evaluating a triple-negative tumour, including GATA-3 in a panel of markers may increase the diagnostic accuracy for tissue origin in the appropriate clinical setting.

Keywords: GATA-3; GCDFP-15; immunohistochemistry; mammaglobin; squamous; triple-negative.