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Soluble adhesion molecules (E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) in breast carcinoma
D M O'Hanlon1, H Fitzsimons, J Lynch
1National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Department of Surgery, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|November 21, 2002
Summary
Soluble adhesion molecules like E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 are elevated in advanced breast cancer. Elevated VCAM-1 predicts poorer survival in Stage 2 breast carcinoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Adhesion molecules mediate cell interactions crucial for inflammation and tumor progression.
- E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 are implicated in tumor cell dissemination via vascular endothelium.
- Soluble forms of these adhesion molecules are detectable and may serve as biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate soluble adhesion molecule levels (E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1) in breast carcinoma patients.
- To determine if these levels correlate with disease stage.
- To assess the prognostic value of these adhesion molecules in breast cancer survival.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 92 breast carcinoma patients and 31 age-matched benign breast disease controls prior to surgery.
- Soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 levels were quantified in patient serum.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare levels between groups and assess prognostic significance.
Main Results:
- Soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were significantly elevated in Stage 4 breast carcinoma patients compared to controls.
- Elevated VCAM-1 levels in Stage 2 breast cancer patients were associated with decreased survival, independent of tumor (T) and lymph node (N) status.
Conclusions:
- Adhesion molecules are elevated in patients with advanced breast carcinoma.
- VCAM-1 elevation demonstrates prognostic significance for survival in breast cancer patients, particularly in Stage 2 disease.