MMP-11 expression in early luminal breast cancer: associations with clinical, MRI, pathological characteristics, and disease-free survival

Background Early hormone-positive breast cancers typically have favorable outcomes, yet long-term surveillance is crucial due to the risk of late recurrences. While many studies associate MMP-11 expression with poor prognosis in breast cancer, few focus on early-stage cases. This study explores MMP-11 as an early prognostic marker in hormone-positive breast cancers. Methods In this retrospective study, 228 women with early hormone-positive invasive ductal carcinoma, treated surgically between 2011 and 2016, were included. MMP-11 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinical and MRI data was analyzed. Results Among the patients (aged 31–89, median 60, with average tumor size of 15.7 mm), MMP-11 staining was observed in half of the cases. This positivity correlated with higher uPA levels and tumor grade but not with nodal status or size. Furthermore, MMP-11 positivity showed specific associations with MRI features. Over a follow-up period of 6.5 years, only 12 oncological events occurred. Disease-free survival was linked to Ki67 and MMP-11. Conclusion MMP-11, primarily present in tumor-surrounding stromal cells, correlates with tumor grade and uPA levels. MMP-11 immunohistochemical score demonstrates a suggestive trend in association with disease-free survival, independent of Ki67 and other traditional prognostic factors. This highlights the potential of MMP-11 as a valuable marker in managing early hormone-positive breast cancer.