Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer could be predictable by measuring a novel serum apoptosis product, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18: a prospective pilot study

Cancer Invest. 2006 Nov;24(7):669-76. doi: 10.1080/07357900600981307.

Abstract

The M30-monoclonal antibody recognizes a neo-epitope of cytokeratin 18 which is formed after caspase-cleavage during apoptosis. Caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 is released from apoptotic cells into circulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between M30-antigen level and chemotherapy response in neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Forty-two patients with invasive breast carcinoma received 4 cycles of anthracycline based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Serum samples were obtained for assessment of M30-antigen levels before the administration of first chemotherapy cycle (baseline), and then after 24 and 48 hours for determination of chemotherapy induced apoptosis. M30-antigen levels at 24 and 48 hours were found to be significantly higher than baseline (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). M30-antigen levels in responders showed statistically significant increases at 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.001; p = 0.004, respectively), while statistically significant increases were not observed in nonresponders. Percentage change of M30-antigen levels was significantly higher in responders than nonresponders at 24 hours (p = 0.020). In conclusion, our study revealed a significant relationship between increases of M30-antigen levels in serum and overall response to therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / blood
  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Docetaxel
  • Epirubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Keratin-18 / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Taxoids / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Keratin-18
  • Taxoids
  • Docetaxel
  • Epirubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Fluorouracil

Supplementary concepts

  • FEC protocol