Subtype-Consistent Upregulation of Ferroptosis-Associated Pathways in Breast Cancer with Heterogeneous Prognostic Implications and Systemic Response to Cryoablation

) demonstrated consistent upregulation across all breast cancer subtypes, with higher expression observed in more aggressive tumors. These genes are functionally linked to antioxidant defense, iron metabolism, and oxidative stress regulation, and their coordinated expression pattern is consistent with activation of NRF2-dependent cytoprotective pathways. Downregulation of selected miRNAs may contribute to this expression profile but likely represents a secondary regulatory mechanism. Survival analysis revealed heterogeneous and subtype-dependent associations, with limited and gene-specific prognostic relevance. Cryoablation induced transient increases in circulating levels of the analyzed proteins, reflecting systemic responses to localized tissue injury. In conclusion, breast cancer is characterized by a largely shared ferroptosis-associated molecular signature across subtypes; however, its clinical impact appears to be variable and context-dependent. Systemic detection of related molecular signals suggests potential utility as indicators of tissue stress responses, although their role as specific biomarkers of ferroptosis requires further validation.