Telomerase activity, and tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS) in Egyptian breast cancer patients

Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Egyptian wome n. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of both telomerase and TPS estimation in assessment of breast cancer. Methods: The study included 40 patients with breast cancer, and 20 patients with benign breast diseases. Telomerase activity in breast tissues was ass essed using TRAP assay. TPS was measured in sera of the patients by ELISA. Results: Telomerase positivity was 15% in benign group vs. 60% in malignant group (p = 0.0009). It was significantly correlated to stage, and lymph no de status (p < 0.02). Telomerase positivity showed significant correlation to tumor recurrence (p = 0.0076) in a follow-up period of 36 months. Mean r ank of TPS was significantly higher in malignant than benign groups (p < 0. 001), and in telomerase positive than telomerase negative patients (p < 0.0 01). In malignant group, mean rank of TPS was significantly higher in late stages (p < 0.002), in higher grade (p < 0.05), in larger tumor size (p < 0 .01), and in lymph node positive patients (p, < 0.001). ROC curve was utili zed to choose the best cutoff for serum TPS (88 U/L). At this cutoff, the s ensitivity was 95%, and the specificity was 75%. At a higher cutoff (109 U/ L), TPS positivity was significantly correlated to stage, grade, lymph node status, and telomerase positivity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Telomerase positivity and serum TPS might be used as additional markers for assessment of breast cancer. (C) 2001 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.