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Plasma apolipoprotein M predicts overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients
Axel Muendlein1, Christine Heinzle2,3, Eva Maria Brandtner2
1Vorarlberg Institute for Vascular Investigation and Treatment Laboratory, Stadtstrasse 33, 6850, Dornbirn, Austria. axel.muendlein@vivit.at.
Purpose:
Apolipoprotein M (APOM) is a plasma apolipoprotein closely involved with lipid metabolism and inflammation. In vitro studies suggest that APOM may also have a tumor-suppressive role in breast cancer. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of plasma APOM levels on the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
Methods:
We measured APOM levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 75 patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. The endpoint was overall survival (OS) at 24 months.
Results:
During the 24-month follow-up period, 34.7% of the patients died. Baseline APOM levels were significantly reduced in patients who deceased during follow-up compared to survivors (42.7 ± 14.5 µg/mL versus 52.2 ± 13.8 µg/mL; P = 0.003). Cox regression analysis showed a hazard ratio of 0.30 [95% confidence interval 0.15-0.61]; P < 0.001 per doubling of APOM levels. Correction for age, C-reactive protein, menopausal state, histology of the primary tumor, metastatic site, number of metastases, endocrine resistance, scheduled therapy line, and kind of scheduled therapy indicated that circulating APOM predicted OS independently of these parameters (HRper doubling = 0.23 [0.09-0.56; P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Our study suggests that circulating APOM is significantly linked with reduced mortality in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Insights
Higher levels of apolipoprotein M (APOM) in the blood are linked to a reduced risk of mortality in patients with metastatic breast cancer. This finding suggests APOM may be a useful prognostic biomarker for breast cancer survival.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Apolipoprotein M (APOM) is a plasma protein involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation.
- In vitro studies suggest a potential tumor-suppressive role for APOM in breast cancer.
- The prognostic significance of circulating APOM levels in breast cancer patients remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma APOM levels and the overall survival of patients diagnosed with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.
- To determine if APOM can serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for breast cancer outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Plasma APOM levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 75 patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.
- Overall survival (OS) was assessed at a 24-month follow-up period.
- Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate the independent predictive value of APOM for OS, adjusting for relevant clinical and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in baseline APOM levels was observed in patients who died within 24 months compared to survivors (42.7 ± 14.5 µg/mL vs. 52.2 ± 13.8 µg/mL; P = 0.003).
- Each doubling of APOM levels was associated with a significantly reduced hazard ratio for mortality (HR = 0.30; P < 0.001).
- Circulating APOM independently predicted overall survival, even after correction for age, inflammation markers, menopausal status, tumor characteristics, metastatic burden, and treatment details (HR per doubling = 0.23; P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Circulating apolipoprotein M (APOM) levels are significantly associated with reduced mortality in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
- Elevated plasma APOM may indicate a more favorable prognosis for breast cancer patients.
- APOM warrants further investigation as a potential prognostic biomarker in breast cancer management.
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