Discussion
The high CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts is an independent prognostic marker for bone metastasis in early breast cancer patients. Therefore, the evaluation of CD105(+) CAFs could be crucial to stratify BCPs based on their individual risk profile for the development of BM, enhancing treatment strategies and outcomes.
Methods
Immunohistochemistry was used to assess CD105 expression in invasive ductal breast carcinomas (n = 342), analyzing its association with clinical and pathological characteristics.
Results
High CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts was associated with an increased risk of metastatic occurrence (p = 0.0003), particularly bone metastasis (p = 0.0005). Furthermore, high CD105 expression was associated with shorter metastasis-free survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and overall survival (p = 0.0002, 0.0006, and 0.0002, respectively). CD105 expression also constituted an independent prognostic factor for metastasis-free survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and overall survival (p = 0.0003, 0.0006, and 0.0001, respectively).