D. A. Alghezi

Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, Iraq;
e-mail: Dr.daf79@utq.edu.iq; Dhafer.a.f.alghezi@bath.edu

Received: 25 August 2025; Revised: 09 December 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent tumors among females worldwide, and current prognostic methods are limited in their ability to accurately predict tumor aggressiveness. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), a key regulator of pluripotency and cancer stem cell characteristics, has emerged as a promising biomarker in various cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the results of Oct4 immunostaining in benign and malignant breast tissues and its link with cancer grade and tumor size. The archival formalin-fixed breast tissue specimens, comprising 110 breast carcinoma and 20 benign tumors were examined. Oct4 expression was assessed immunohistochemically using a rabbit monoclonal anti-Oct4 antibody. The study demonstrated a significant increase in nuclear Oct4 staining in malignant breast cancer tissues compared to benign tumors. Elevated Oct4 immunostaining was positively associated with high grade and larger tumor size. However, no significant correlation was observed between Oct4 level and lymph node status. Thus, ele­vated Oct4 expression is associated with higher tumor grade and larger tumor size, suggesting its potential relevance in breast cancer progression.