To study the significance of apoptotic enzyme granzyme H in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. The rising global incidence, morbidity and mortality from breast cancer have led to intensified efforts in search for etiological factors of the disease. Present study tried to find out the significance of apoptotic enzyme granzyme H in breast cancer patients. METHODS It was a cross sectional study. Fifty women with pre/post menopausal status were included in the study. Their physiological characteristics including age at menarche, menopause, life style and receptor status including oestrogen, progesterone and HER 2-neu were recorded. Level of serum granzyme H was estimated. RESULTS It was observed that there is a variation in physiological characteristics. Level of serum granzyme was increased in patients before chemotherapy that may be decreased after treatment but not as much decreased as in normal control subjects. CONCLUSION Increased level of granzyme H after chemotherapy may indicate the response of treatment. A direct relationship of oestrogen with granzyme H was also observed. However further study is suggested to reach a better conclusion.