UROKINASE PLASMINOGEN-ACTIVATOR, A STRONG AND INDEPENDENT PROGNOSTIC MARKER IN BREAST-CANCER

Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a serine protease implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis. In this investigation, we show using both univariate and multivariate analysis that high levels of uPA antigen in primary breast cancer correlates with shortened disease-free interval and shortened overall survival. As a prognostic marker for breast cancer, uPA appears to be stronger than either axillary node status, tumor size, or estrogen receptor (ER) status. In addition, as a prognostic marker, uPA was independent of nodal status, tumor size and ER status. We conclude that uPA is a new and independent prognostic marker in breast cancer.