CA 15-3 (Mucin-1) and Physiological Characteristics of Breast Cancer from Lahore, Pakistan

Background: High incidence of breast cancer and its fatal effect has reached an alarming stage across theglobe, including the third world countries. Many factors have been reported to be associated with the developmentof breast cancer but detailed structural and functional information is missing. CA 15-3 is one of the knownpotential tumor marker of breast cancer; however little is known about structure and functional site of thisprotein. Present study aims to investigate the functional role of CA 15-3 in breast cancer, especially in developmentand metastasis. Material and
Methods: Hundred female breast cancer patients confirmed by histopathologicalreports were included in the study. Their physiological characters were recorded in a performa. Enzyme linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to estimate serum CA 15-3 level. Immunohistochemistry wasdone for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and Her2/neu receptors expression.
Results: The study revealed thedetails of physiological characteristics of female breast cancer. Mean age was 37.72±5.99 and 55.05±7.28 yearsand serum CA 15-3 (MUC1) level was 60.47±8.59 and 63.17±4.58 U/ml in pre and post-menopause respectively,and both groups of women had sedentary life style. Their receptor status especially of progesterone, estrogen andHER-2/neu were positive in 50% of premenopausal women and 65% of postmenopausal women.
Conclusion:There are multiple physiological factors promoting breast cancer. High serum CA 15-3 level and hormonalimbalance of ER, PR and Her2/neu appears to be the main cause of breast cancer. It may be possible that thefunctional sites of these proteins may be altered which may increase the chances of metastasis in breast cancer.