A study of the prevalence of PGR gene expression with ER and PR Receptor markers positivity in female breast cancer cases in Al-Najaf province, Iraq

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality among women globally. Numerous predisposing risk factors have been identified, making their incidence constantly increasing. Progesterone and the receptors for it binds to have critical roles in mammary gland development and breast carcinogenesis, indicating. Progesterone and its associated signaling pathways are necessary factors in initiating, advancing, and maintaining the neoplastic phenotype of the mammary gland. PR status is an important biomarker for classifying breast cancer subtypes and predicting prognosis. Objectives: The current research aims to investigate the PGR expression in Iraqi females diagnosed with PR+ breast cancer. Methodology: A total of seventy tissue samples were collected, with 36 being malignant breast tissue, 19 benign fibroadenoma samples, and 15 being normal were examined using immunohistochemistry to select PR+ samples, and then using RT-qPCR to assess PGR gene expression. Results: The PR samples showed the highest percentage of positivity at 59.91% of all samples. The PGR gene expression was noted to be inconsistent in all patient samples, with no significant difference in Iraqi female BC patients compared to IHC positive results. Conclusions: PR status serves as a crucial biomarker in the categorization of different types of breast cancer, prognosis, prediction, and treatment decision-making. No significant PGR gene expression was detected in Iraqi BC patients, with most patients exhibiting positive PR receptors with high scores which mean the testing for PGR is considered optional. PR positivity is generally associated with an improved prognosis and is predictive of a favorable reaction to hormones therapies.