Which receptor is a negative prognostic factor in breast cancer?

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Multiple Choice

Which receptor is a negative prognostic factor in breast cancer?

Explanation:
The key concept is how receptor status informs breast cancer behavior. Overexpression or amplification of HER-2/neu drives stronger, more aggressive tumor signaling, which is linked to higher grade tumors, more frequent recurrences, and historically shorter survival. This makes HER-2/neu a negative prognostic factor. Although targeted therapies against HER2 have markedly improved outcomes for these cancers, the biology of HER2 amplification still characterizes a more aggressive disease course when not treated with such agents. In contrast, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positivity generally signal a more favorable prognosis and predict responsiveness to endocrine therapy. EGFR can be associated with worse outcomes in certain subtypes, but the classic negative prognostic marker in breast cancer is HER-2/neu.

The key concept is how receptor status informs breast cancer behavior. Overexpression or amplification of HER-2/neu drives stronger, more aggressive tumor signaling, which is linked to higher grade tumors, more frequent recurrences, and historically shorter survival. This makes HER-2/neu a negative prognostic factor. Although targeted therapies against HER2 have markedly improved outcomes for these cancers, the biology of HER2 amplification still characterizes a more aggressive disease course when not treated with such agents. In contrast, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positivity generally signal a more favorable prognosis and predict responsiveness to endocrine therapy. EGFR can be associated with worse outcomes in certain subtypes, but the classic negative prognostic marker in breast cancer is HER-2/neu.

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