Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor -alpha and hsCRP in patients with breast cancer and correlation with histological parameters

Submitted: 13-09-2014 Revised: 06-04-2015 Published: 01-07-2015 Background: Breast cancer is now the second most commonly cancer diagnosed in women after cervical cancer in India. Presentation at late stage further aggravates the problem. The outcome of breast cancer is usually determined by multiple factors. Aims and Objectives:This study was designed with the aim to investigate any correlation between serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and hsCRP in breast cancer with histological parameters of tumor behavior. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 histological confirmed cases of locally advanced breast cancer were enrolled for study. Total duration of study was two years. HsCRP was determined by solid phase direct sandwich ELISA method (Diaclone, France).Similarly TNF-α was also determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. Three-dimensional tumor size was determined radiologically through mammography. CT scan and MRI scan were taken at the time of diagnosis to detect metastasis. The data on tumor size, estrogen receptors status, lymph node status and TNM staging were reviewed and recorded. Results: Levels of TNF-α and hsCRP in patients with more advanced TNM staging, more advanced lymph node status and high histological grade were significantly raised. Similarly, their levels were significantly raised with increasing grade of adipose tissue invasion. Levels of TNF-α and hs CRP were also significantly raised in patients with estrogen receptor status positive whereas increase in levels of these markers was not significant in progesterone receptor status positive. Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha and high sensitivity C-reactive protein may be valuable parameters for reflecting the severity of invasive breast cancer.