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The impact of serum interleukin-17a as a predictive biomarker for neoadjuvant therapy response in breast cancer: a retrospective study

  • 0Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Gland Surgery +

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June 23, 2025

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June 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

High levels of interleukin-17a (IL-17a) in breast cancer patients predict poor response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). IL-17a levels decrease significantly in patients who respond well to treatment, indicating its potential as a predictive biomarker.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background

  • Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy.
  • Interleukin-17a (IL-17a) is implicated in various human cancers.
  • The predictive value of IL-17a for neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) response in BC is not well-established.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate plasma IL-17a expression in BC patients undergoing NAT.
  • To explore the correlation between IL-17a levels and treatment response.
  • To assess IL-17a as a potential biomarker for disease progression and therapy efficacy.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective cohort study of 54 BC patients receiving standard NAT.
  • Immunohistochemistry analysis of plasma IL-17a expression.
  • Clinical outcomes assessed by pathological complete response (pCR), radiological assessment, and progression-free survival (PFS).

Main Results

  • Elevated pre- and post-NAT IL-17a levels correlated with poor treatment responses (stable disease/progressive disease).
  • IL-17a levels significantly decreased in patients achieving complete or partial response.
  • Reduced IL-17a expression was observed in patients with early-stage disease.

Conclusions

  • IL-17a acts as a dynamic biomarker during NAT, with high levels suggesting treatment resistance.
  • Decreased IL-17a levels in responsive patients, particularly in early-stage disease, highlight its potential for patient stratification.
  • Further large-scale studies are needed to validate IL-17a's prognostic role and understand its mechanisms in BC chemoresistance.

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