Method of predicting and reducing risk of metastasis of breast cancer to lung

Abstract

A signature for breast cancer tissue derived from a patient is established that is indicative of the virulence and risk of lung metastasis by determining the expression levels to define a sample signature, and comparing this sample signature to a reference signature. The reference signature defines a standard expression level for each gene and a significant change direction, i.e., either overexpressed or underexpressed. A sample signature that differs from the reference signature in the significant change direction for a predetermined number of the genes tested is indicative of a significant risk of lung metastasis. This determination is used to define appropriate treatment and monitoring options for the patient. Risk of metastasis to the lung can be reduced by treatment with a therapeutic combination that either (1) contains a first agent effective to inhibit epiregulin activity and a second agent effective to inhibit activity of a protein selected from the group consisting of MMP1, MMP2 and PTGS2, or (2) contains a therapeutic agent or combination of agents effective to inhibit activity MMP1, MMP2 and PTGS2. Agents that inhibit the CXCL1 pathway also can be used individually or in combination with these combinations.