ID4: a Prognostic Factor of Breast Cancer Metastasis

Breast cancer metastasis to regional lymph nodes is one of the most important factors in predicting disease outcome in early stage breast cancer. Our institute developed the surgical procedure to identify the first tumor-draining lymph node, the sentinel lymph node (SLN), likely to have micrometastasis. This has improved disease staging and reduced unnecessary surgery. Furthermore, we discovered a novel gene referred to as ID4 in breast cancer and found that its inactivation correlated with metastasis to the SLN. We will validate whether the inactivation of ID4 independently, or in combination with other prognostic factors leads to primary tumor spread.