Relation between hemostatic parameters and prognostic/predictive factors in breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Breast cancer prognosis is influenced by various factors.
• Hemostatic parameters play a role in cancer progression and metastasis.
• Understanding the relationship between hemostasis and breast cancer is crucial for improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between prognostic/predictive factors in breast cancer and hemostatic parameters.
• To determine if specific hemostatic markers can serve as indicators of disease severity or prognosis.

Main Methods:

• 100 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (post-surgery, pre-systemic therapy) and 100 age-matched healthy controls were analyzed.
• Evaluated clinical factors: age, menopausal status, tumor size, grade, lymph node status, steroid receptors, p53, and HER2/neu.
• Measured plasma levels of coagulation factors (VIII, IX), inhibitors (Protein C, S, Antithrombin III), and fibrinolysis markers (D-dimer, vWF, CRP).

Main Results:

• Patients exhibited higher plasma levels of factor VIII, factor IX, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to controls.
• Lower Protein S levels were observed in breast cancer patients.
• Factor VIII levels significantly increased with axillary lymph node metastasis and were higher in patients with HER2/neu overexpression (3+).

Conclusions:

• A strong correlation exists between axillary lymph node involvement, number of metastatic nodes, HER2/neu overexpression, and factor VIII levels.
• Factor VIII levels show potential as an additional prognostic marker for breast cancer patients.
• Hemostatic parameter assessment, particularly factor VIII, may enhance the evaluation of breast cancer prognosis.