Measurement of PAPP-A level in serum of patient with breast cancer

Introduction & Aim: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women; hence early detection and timely determination of prognostic factors have great importance. Considering the role of PAPP-A in the regulation of IGF and the known role of IGF in development and control of cancer, in this study the serumic level of PAPP-A in these patients was measured; and its relation with other known prognostic factors was investigated. Methods: Forty patients with breast cancer at Omid University-Hospital in Mashhad were selected. After obtaining informed consent, blood samples were taken. Levels of PAPP-A was measured by ELISA using a commercial kit and the relationship between serum PAPP-A level and the results of pathology specimens (including disease stage, tumor grade, hormone receptor status ER/PR and HER2) were evaluated. Results: The PAPP-A level was undetectable in 80% of patients. There was a significant correlation between the grade of tumor and PAPP-A level (P = 0.02). No significant relationship was observed between PAPP-A and ER, PR, HER2, pathology of tumor, or lymph nodes involvement. A significant inverse correlation was observed between age and PAPP-A level (P=0.012, r = 0.394).Conclusion: Based on these results, the level of PAPP-A in serum of patients with breast cancer, especially in high grade tumors is increasing. It seems to be an inverse correlation between age and PAPP-A level. A closer examination using an Ultra-Sensitive ELISA kit is recommended. Also, comparing the levels of this metalloprotein in patients with breast cancer with healthy non-pregnant women is suggested

کلیدواژه ها:

Breast Cancer ، PAPP-A ، IGF