Expression of a prostate-associated protein in breast tumors
Author Information
Author(s): Black M H, Magklara A, Obiezu C, Levesque M A, Sutherland D J A, Tindall D J, Young C Y F, Sauter E R, Diamandis E P
Primary Institution: Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine the expression pattern of human glandular kallikrein (hK2) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in breast tumor tissues.
Conclusion
The study found that both hK2 and PSA are present in breast tumors and their levels are correlated with steroid hormone receptor expression.
Supporting Evidence
- hK2 and PSA were detected in 53% and 73% of breast tumor cases, respectively.
- Higher concentrations of PSA and hK2 were found in tumors expressing steroid hormone receptors.
- Both proteins were present in nipple aspirate fluid at relatively high concentrations.
Takeaway
The study shows that a protein usually found in the prostate is also present in breast tumors, which might help understand breast cancer better.
Methodology
Cytosolic extracts of primary breast carcinomas and nipple aspirates were assayed for hK2 and PSA using immunofluorometric assays.
Participant Demographics
The study included 336 primary breast carcinoma samples and 31 nipple aspirates from six women with non-diseased mammary glands.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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