The Role of Plasminogen Activators in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): J. Yamashita, M. Ogawa, S. Yamashita, Y. Nakashima, T. Saishoji, K. Nomura, K. Inada, I. Kawano
Primary Institution: Kumamoto University Medical School
Hypothesis
Is plasminogen activator related to the postoperative clinical course of human breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study suggests that low t-PA activity is associated with a poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Total PA activity was significantly lower in patients with metastases compared to those who were disease-free.
- t-PA activity was found to be an independent prognostic factor for relapse-free survival.
- Patients with only-bone metastases had significantly less t-PA antigen level in their primary breast tumors than those with metastases to other organs.
- u-PA activity was significantly higher in node-positive patients than in node-negative patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain proteins in breast cancer tissues can help predict if a patient will have a good or bad outcome after surgery.
Methodology
The study analyzed tissue extracts from 144 breast cancer specimens to measure total PA activity, t-PA activity, u-PA activity, and immunoreactive t-PA.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may be limited by the small number of patients in some groups.
Participant Demographics
Patients who underwent curative mastectomy at Kumamoto University Hospital between 1981 and 1986.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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