Expression of markers of stem cell characteristics, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, basal-like phenotype, proliferation, and androgen receptor in metaplastic breast cancer and their prognostic impact

Most MpBCs express basal markers (CK5/6, EGFR), epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker vimentin, and the stem cell marker CD44. Expression of basal-like markers was significantly related to inferior DFS. All the 11 patients with a lack of expression of basal markers survived without relapse.