Telomerase in Breast Cancer: hTR and hTERT Expression
Author Information
Author(s): Hosseini-Asl Saied, Atri Morteza, Modarressi Mohammad H, Salhab Mohamed, Mokbel Kefah, Mehdipour Parvin
Primary Institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Is there an association between telomerase sub-units hTR and hTERT and prognostic indicators in breast cancer?
Conclusion
hTR expression is likely more significant in younger women with breast cancer, while hTERT expression does not correlate with tumor stage.
Supporting Evidence
- hTR was expressed in all cancers from patients aged ≤ 40 years.
- hTERT expression was found in 82.6% of breast cancer samples.
- No significant association was found between hTR and hTERT expression and tumor's grade, stage, or nodal status.
Takeaway
This study looked at how two important genes related to telomerase might affect breast cancer in younger women. It found that one gene is more active in younger patients.
Methodology
RT-PCR analysis was used to detect hTR and hTERT gene expression in tumor samples.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on specific age groups.
Participant Demographics
46 patients with primary invasive breast cancer and 3 patients with benign tumors; mean age was 47 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.019
Statistical Significance
p = 0.019
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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