Prognostic value of circulating soluble E-selectin concentrations in node-negative breast cancer patients

Several studies have suggested that endothelial cells participate in tumor development. Soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) is specifically released by a ctivated endothelial cells, and its serum concentration can be considered a marker of endothdial activation. In this study, we assessed the prognostic value of sE-selectin concentrations in node-negative breast cancer patient s. Serum sE-selectin concentrations were measured by an ELISA method prior to surgery in 456 node-negative breast cancer patients. We analyzed also tu mor size (TS), histoprognostic grading, and steroid hormone receptor status . The mean sE-selectin concentration was 24.9 +/- 15.0 ng/ml, The sE-select in concentrations were mildly correlated with the TS but not with the other factors. For prognostic analyses, the median follow-up duration was 7.5 ye ars. The cutoff sE-selectin concentration used was 40 ng/ml, In overall sur vival studies, univariate analyses demonstrated a prognostic value of sE-se lectin, TS, and histoprognostic grading, and multivariate analyses demonstr ated a prognostic value of sE-selectin and TS, For disease-free survival, u nivariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated a prognostic value of sE-s electin and TS, sE-selectin concentration is an easily measurable and stron g prognostic factor in node-negative breast cancer patients. These results provide further evidence for the role of adhesion molecules expression by e ndothelial cells in tumor progression.