Serum cytokine profile in patients with breast cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women, with a more 20% 5-year survival rate after metastases. It is therefore critical to improve early diagnosis in order to improve disease prognosis. This study investigates cytokine profiles of breast cancer serum with the aim of identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis. A solid-phase antibody array was used for screening 274 biomarkers in serum from breast cancer patients. ELISA assay was carried out to identify biomarkers with differential expression. The serum levels of IL-8, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, MMP-8, Resistin, FLRG, and BCAM were significantly higher in breast cancer patients, but LAP and TSH-β levels were lower. ELISA assay results confirmed those of the antibody array. Our results suggest that these cytokines, screened by antibody array, might serve as novel inflammatory markers in breast cancer patients. Whether these biomarkers are specific for breast cancer and can help to improve diagnoses and prognoses of breast cancer needs further investigation.