Title of article :
The Diagnostic, Prognostic and Follow-up Value of Serum Bcl-2, Bax and p53 Proteins in Breast Cancer Patients: A Comparison with Serum CA 15-3
Author/Authors :
El-Moneim Ebied، Samia Abd نويسنده Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt , , Abd El-Moneim، Nadia Ahmed نويسنده Department of Cancer Management and Research, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt , , Hewala، Taha I. نويسنده Department of Radiation Science, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt , , Anwar، Medhat M. نويسنده Department of Experimental and Clinical Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt , , Rabi، Seham M. نويسنده Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt ,
Abstract :
Background: Biomarkers accepted for clinical use in breast cancer have low
sensitivity and specificity. Thus, there is a need for new markers to assist in the
diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of breast cancer patients. This study aims to
investigate the diagnostic, prognostic and follow-up role of serum Bcl-2, Bax and p53
proteins in breast cancer patients in comparison with those of serum CA 15-3 as the
most commonly used breast cancer marker.
Methods: We analyzed 50 breast cancer patients (before surgery, after one month
of surgery and after six cycles of chemotherapy) and 50 normal healthy controls for
serum Bcl-2, Bax, p53 and CA 15-3 levels.
Results: Mean serum Bcl-2 and CA 15-3 levels significantly increased, whereas
the mean serum p53 level significantly declined in breast cancer patients compared to
normal healthy controls. Using the ROC curve analysis, serum p53 had the greatest area
under the curve (85.6%). Serum Bcl-2 levels significantly decreased after six cycles
of chemotherapy compared with its level one month after surgery. Preoperative serum
levels of Bcl-2, Bax, p53 and CA 15-3 were non-significantly correlated with patientʹs
disease-free survival.
Conclusion: Serum p53 was superior to Bcl-2 and CA 15-3 in the diagnosis of breast
cancer patients. Only Bcl-2 could be used for monitoring the effect of chemotherapy
on breast cancer patients. None of the assayed biomarkers had a role in monitoring the
effect of surgery on breast cancer patients. None of the assayed biomarkers had a
prognostic role for breast cancer patients.
