Serum CK18 as a Predictive Factor of Response to Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most frequent cause of cancer death. Several factors affect response to chemotherapy including nodal status, hormonal status and human epidermal growth factor receptor (Her-2). Aim of Study: The study is aiming at evaluating M30 antigen in serum of patients with locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer and establishing the relation between M30 level and response to chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: The study was performed at Al Bairouni University Hospital and the Faculty of Pharmacy (Damascus-Syria). We have included 60 patients with histologic confirmation of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast treated with the combination (Docetaxel + Doxorubicin) with M30 levels to be evaluated before treatment and 24 hours after the first and third cycle. Results: M30 level increase in serum 24 hours after the 1st cycle correlated with different kinds of response in 39 patients (P value less than 0.03) with better results in those with Estrogen Receptors (ER) positive patients (P value 0.05). There was no correlation between Her-2 status and response (P value 0.3). Conclusion: M30 level in serum is a useful predictor marker of response to chemotherapy in both locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer.