Advances in research on receptor heterogeneity in breast cancer liver metastasis

Qinyu Liu; Runze Huang; Xin Jin; Xuanci Bai; Wei Tang; Lu Wang; Kenji Karako; Weiping Zhu

doi:10.5582/bst.2025.01046

Qinyu Liu, Runze Huang, Xin Jin, Xuanci Bai, Wei Tang, Lu Wang, Kenji Karako, Weiping Zhu

Author information

Qinyu Liu
Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Runze Huang
Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Xin Jin
Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Xuanci Bai
Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Wei Tang
Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan Institute for Health Security, Tokyo, Japan.
Lu Wang
Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Kenji Karako
Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Weiping Zhu
Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Keywords: breast cancer liver metastasis, receptor heterogeneity, influencing factors, molecular mechanisms, treatment strategies

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS Advance online publication

Article ID: 2025.01046

DOI https://doi.org/10.5582/bst.2025.01046

Details

Abstract

Breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) presents a critical challenge in breast cancer treatment and has substantial epidemiological and clinical significance. Receptor status is pivotal in managing both primary breast cancer and its liver metastases. Moreover, shifts in these statuses can have a profound impact on patient treatment strategies and prognoses. Research has indicated that there is significant heterogeneity in receptor status between primary breast cancer and liver metastases. This variation may be influenced by a multitude of factors, such as therapeutic pressure, inherent tumor heterogeneity, clonal evolution, and the unique microenvironment of the liver. Changes in the receptor status of BCLM are crucial for adjusting treatment strategies, and liver biopsy plays an important role in the treatment process. Directions for future research targeting changes in receptor status include in-depth study of molecular mechanisms, combined treatment strategies for receptor status reversal, development of artificial intelligence deep learning models to predict receptor status in liver metastases, and clinical research on new drug development and combination therapies. That research will provide more precise treatment strategies for patients with BCLM and improve their prognosis.

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