Immunohistochemical analysis of Enolase-1 sublocalization in benign and malignant breast tumors: potential implications for tumor progression and prognosis

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most common neoplasm in women and one of the main causes of premature mortality, with a high incidence before the age of seventy. Among its histological subtypes, invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for approximately 65% to 70% of cases and is characterized by significant molecular and prognostic heterogeneity. Although some molecular subtypes benefit from targeted therapies, triple-negative carcinomas remain a considerable clinical challenge, predominantly affecting young women who often subjected to highly aggressive and not always effective conventional treatments. The identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers is essential to optimize therapeutic choices and anticipate potential resistance mechanisms. Enolase-1 (ENO1), a glycolytic enzyme involved in cellular energy homeostasis, has been widely associated with tumor progression and metabolic adaptation in malignant neoplasms. In this study, we investigated ENO1 expression in benign and malignant breast tumors using immunohistochemistry, analyzing both the tissue distribution pattern and staining intensity. Our results suggest that ENO1 may play a predictive diagnostic role, aiding in more individualized therapeutic strategies and contributing to the advancement of precision medicine in breast cancer.