Breast cancer proliferative activity: Is it the source of serum free DNA?

Aim: To study the relationship between serum DNA and breast cancer proliferative activity, then compare the diagnostic and prognostic values of serum DNA, TPS and CEA. Subjects and methods: A total of 100 breast cancer patients before surgery and 50 apparently healthy controls were analyzed for serum DNA, TPS and CEA. Results: Serum DNA levels were nonsignificantly correlated with serum TPS levels. Serum DNA, TPS and CEA levels were significantly higher in patients than controls. Using ROC curve analysis, serum TPS and DNA had the highest AUC compared to serum CEA. Neither serum TPS, DNA nor CEA correlated with breast cancer clinicopathological data. Only serum CEA was significantly correlated with patients' disease-free survival. Conclusion: Neither Breast cancer mass nor proliferative activity is the source of serum free DNA. Serum TPS is superior to DNA and CEA as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer. Only preoperative serum CEA has a prognostic role in predicting relapse of breast cancer patients, but not serum TPS or DNA. (C) 2013 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine.