Breast cancer molecular subtypes of Uygur and Han in Xinjiang of China.

PURPOSE To compare the difference between Uygur and Han patients with breast cancer in molecular subtype. METHODS 4 immunohistochemical (IHC) markers (ER, PR, HER-2 and KI-67) were used to divide Uygur and Han breast cancer patients into 4 subtypes (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER-2 over expression and Basal-like), respectively. statistical analysis were used to evaluate difference in molecular subtype characteristics by race, tumor size, age of onset, menstruation and birth status, histological grade and lymph node metastasis. RESULTS There is no statistical difference on the molecular subtypes between Han and Uygur. But some characteristics about four subtypes between Han and Uygur have statistical difference like age onset of the Her-2 overexpression cases, subtypes of age less than 35 years, menarche age of the Basal-like cases and tumor size of the Luminal A cases. Between Han and Uygur there is statistical difference on the menarche age, number of childbirths, and tumor size. The HER-2 overexpression and Basal-like subtypes were more likely to be grade III tumors both of Han and Uygur. Between 4 molecular subtypes of Han there have statistical difference in number of metastasis lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS Our result shows that there are some significant differences between Uygur and Han in the pathological features as well as molecular subtypes. Correct understanding the difference of breast cancer between Uygur and Han can provide guidance for clinical practice.