The Predictive Value of PITX2 DNA Methylation for High-Risk Breast Cancer Therapy: Current Guidelines, Medical Needs, and Challenges

Figure 5

Predictive significance of PITX2 gene methylation in high-risk breast cancer patients. TNBC and ER+ BC are two biologically different high-risk breast cancer entities. Yet, for both, the PITX2 DNA methylation status has been shown to predict response or failure to anthracycline-based chemotherapy [44, 66]. The controversial results of the favorable clinical significance of PITX2 gene hypermethylation in TNBC patients versus PITX2 gene hypomethylation in ER+ BC patients are outlined. The hypothesis presented is based on published evidence; other, so far unknown, mechanisms may be involved as well. ER+ BC = estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.