Thymidine Phosphorylase Expression in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Paclitaxel
Author Information
Author(s): Bartsch Rupert, Steger Guenther G, Forstner Birgit, Wenzel Catharina, Pluschnig Ursula, Rizovski Blanka, Altorjai Gabriela, Zielinski Christoph C, Mader Robert M
Primary Institution: Medical University of Vienna
Hypothesis
The expression of thymidine phosphorylase in peripheral blood cells of breast cancer patients is hypothesized to increase with paclitaxel treatment.
Conclusion
Thymidine phosphorylase in peripheral blood cells was not significantly regulated during therapy with paclitaxel, indicating no expected increase in hematotoxicity from the combination with capecitabine.
Supporting Evidence
- Paclitaxel concentrations did not change significantly from week 1 to week 6.
- Thymidine phosphorylase expression decreased significantly after infusion.
- Expression returned to baseline levels within one week after treatment.
Takeaway
The study looked at how a certain enzyme behaves in the blood of breast cancer patients taking a drug called paclitaxel, and found that the enzyme didn't change much, which means the drug likely won't cause extra side effects.
Methodology
Blood samples were collected from patients before and after paclitaxel infusion to measure thymidine phosphorylase expression using ELISA.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size of only eight patients, which may limit the statistical power of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 65.5 years, with a range of 53 to 73 years; all had advanced breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.023
Statistical Significance
p = 0.023
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website