Evaluation of a Novel Anti-Mucin 1 (MUC1) Antibody (PankoMab) as a Potential Diagnostic Tool in Human Ductal Breast Cancer; Comparison with Two Established Antibodies

Aim: PankoMab is a novel antibody that recognizes a tumor-specific
epitope of Mucin 1 (MUC1). The aim of this study was the evaluation
of PankoMab as a potential diagnostic tool and its comparison with
two established antibodies against MUC1 in human ductal breast
cancer. Materials and Methods: Breast carcinomas were obtained from
82 patients. MUC1 expression and hormone receptor status were
determined by immunohistochemistry of paraffin-embedded material.
Results: PankoMab revealed strong correlation to hormone receptor
expression. DF3 showed no correlation with grading, lymph node
involvement and/or estrogen receptor (ER) expression. In the
subgroup of lymph node-positive and ER-negative tumors, we saw a
significantly reduced DF3 staining in G3 tumors compared to G2
tumors. VU-4-H5 showed increased staining intensity in correlation
with increased grading. In addition, we also identified a
significantly higher expression of the VU-4-H5 epitope in lymph
node-positive carcinomas compared to carcinomas without lymph node
involvement. Conclusion: PankoMab revealed strong correlation to
hormone receptor expression in ductal carcinoma of the breast.
VU-4-H5 showed increased staining intensity in correlation with
increased grading and lymph node involvement. PankoMab and VU-4-H5
staining could be a useful combination in ductal breast cancer
prognosis by immunohistochemistry.