CATHEPSIN-D CONCENTRATION IN TUMOR CYTOSOLS IMPROVES THE ACCURACY OF PROGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF PRIMARY BREAST-CANCER

One hundred and seventy three women were followed-up for a median of 6 2 months after surgery for Stage I-III breast cancer: The concentratio n of cathepsin D (CD) in tumor cytosols was compared to the standard p rognostic factors for the disease and related to relapse free and over all survival and type of relapse. Three groups were identified with di fferent prognostic profile. High CD levels significantly shorten DFS i ll both node-negative and node-positive patients; a correlation betwee n high cathepsin D levels and locoregional relapse should also be note d. This marker should be included in the initial evaluation of breast cancer as an indicator of invasiveness.