Down-regulation of kallikrein-related peptidase 5 (KLK5) expression in breast cancer patients: a biomarker for the differential diagnosis of breast lesions
2011

KLK5 as a Biomarker for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Sample size: 102 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Avgeris Margaritis, Papachristopoulou Georgia, Polychronis Athanasios, Scorilas Andreas

Primary Institution: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Athens

Hypothesis

Can KLK5 expression levels differentiate between malignant and benign breast lesions?

Conclusion

KLK5 expression quantification may serve as a novel and independent biomarker for distinguishing malignant from benign breast tumors.

Supporting Evidence

  • KLK5 expression was significantly lower in malignant breast tissues compared to benign ones.
  • The study used logistic regression and ROC analysis to evaluate KLK5's diagnostic potential.
  • A significant correlation was found between KLK5 levels and pre-menopausal status.
  • KLK5 expression levels were also associated with estrogen receptor negativity.

Takeaway

This study found that lower levels of a protein called KLK5 in breast tissue can help doctors tell if a tumor is cancerous or not.

Methodology

KLK5 expression levels were measured in 102 breast tissue samples using RT-qPCR and analyzed with advanced biostatistics.

Participant Demographics

69 malignant and 33 benign breast tissue specimens from patients who had not received prior hormonal therapy or chemotherapy.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.32 - 0.68

Statistical Significance

p < 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1559-0275-8-5

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