Abstract 2077: Elevated PI16 expression in fibroadenoma fibroblasts is associated with subsequent breast cancer development
Authors: Pria Westerman, Nicole Cruz-Reyes, Camila Pacheco Erak, Robert Vierkant, Bryan McCauley, Stacey Winham, Mark Sherman, Amy Degnim, Derek Radisky
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Introduction: Fibroadenoma is the most common type of benign breast lesion and is not traditionally considered an indicator of increased breast cancer risk. This study aimed to identify biomarkers within fibroadenoma associated with subsequent breast cancer development using patient samples from the Mayo Clinic Benign Breast Disease (BBD) cohort. Methods: We analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast biopsy samples from patients diagnosed with non-proliferative fibroadenoma who either developed breast cancer later (n=10) or remained cancer-free (n=5). NanoString RNA profiling identified differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts associated with subsequent cancer development. Immunohistochemistry was first done to compare overall expression of PI16 in this cohort. Opal multiplex immunofluorescence staining (mIF) was then performed to evaluate the expression of PI16 in fibroblasts (Vim+PanCK-) and assess immune cell infiltration (CD45+) in different tissue compartments. Fibroblasts were identified by vimentin positivity (Vim+), and epithelial cells were marked by pan-cytokeratin positivity (PanCK+). Results: Compared to patients who remained cancer-free, those who developed breast cancer showed significantly increased expression of PI16 in fibroblasts (PI16+Vim+PanCK-, 3.25-fold increase, p=0.0011). Additionally, the number of immune cells (CD45+) was significantly decreased (0.52-fold, p=0.03) in the fibroadenoma lesions of patients who later developed cancer. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that elevated expression of PI16 in fibroblasts within fibroadenoma may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting breast cancer risk for women with fibroadenoma. PI16 encodes Peptidase Inhibitor 16, which is implicated in modulating fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix remodeling—processes that can contribute to a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Elevated levels of this protein in fibroblasts suggest an altered microenvironment that may foster tumor initiation and progression. The decreased immune cell infiltration further implies an immunosuppressive microenvironment that may facilitate cancer progression. As these markers can be detected in FFPE samples, our results could lead to the development of a readily applicable clinical test to identify fibroadenoma patients at increased risk for breast cancer, enabling earlier intervention and surveillance. Citation Format: Pria Westerman, Nicole Cruz-Reyes, Camila Pacheco Erak, Robert Vierkant, Bryan McCauley, Stacey Winham, Mark Sherman, Amy Degnim, Derek Radisky. Elevated PI16 expression in fibroadenoma fibroblasts is associated with subsequent breast cancer development. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 2077.