Prognostic implications of complement C1q-like 4 expression in breast cancer

Higher expression of Complement C1q-like protein 4 (C1ql4) in breast cancer may be associated with increased tumor malignancy. As a protein involved in immune responses and inflammation, C1ql4 is expressed across all molecular subtypes of breast cancer. We conducted a retrospective analysis and follow-up study involving 111 patients who underwent breast cancer resection at the Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, to investigate the relationship between C1ql4 expression and overall survival, as well as to evaluate the prognostic value of C1ql4 both independently and in combination with conventional clinicopathologic parameters. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant positive difference between C1ql4 protein expression and TNM staging, as well as molecular subtypes. Moreover, patients with high C1ql4 expression demonstrated significantly poorer prognoses. In conclusion, our findings suggest that C1ql4 expression may serve as a potential biomarker for elevated breast cancer malignancy.