Hormone Receptor Status and Its Correlation with Nottingham Prognostic Index in Surgically Treated Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women globally, accounting for a significant portion of cancer-related morbidity and mortality (1). Advances in early detection and treatment modalities have contributed to improved survival rates, yet the prognosis and outcomes remain highly variable among patients.

To stratify breast cancer patients and predict outcomes, various prognostic tools have been developed, among which the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) is widely utilized (2) .The NPI incorporates three key variables: tumor size, lymph node involvement, and histological grade. It provides a quantitative framework to categorize patients into different prognostic grade, guiding therapeutic decision-making (3).

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding the relationship between the NPI and receptor status in breast cancer patients. Hormone receptors, including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), play pivotal roles in tumor biology and are critical biomarkers for determining treatment strategies. ER and PR positivity typically indicate a more favorable prognosis and responsiveness to endocrine therapy, while HER2 positivity often correlates with more aggressive tumor behavior but is amenable to targeted therapies (4), (5).

The interplay between NPI and receptor status is of particular clinical significance. While the NPI provides a composite assessment of tumor burden and biological aggressiveness, receptor status reflects the underlying molecular characteristics of the tumor (6). Understanding the correlation between these two factors could enhance the accuracy of prognostication, enabling personalized treatment plans. For instance, patients with low NPI scores but HER2-positive tumors may require more intensive management than those with similar scores but hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative profiles.

This study aims to explore the correlation between the NPI and receptor status in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery. By examining this relationship, we seek to provide insights into how the integration of NPI and receptor status can refine prognostic models and inform clinical decision-making.