[The plasma levels of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in breast cancer patients]

Abstract

Granulocyte - colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage - colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) belong to hematopoetic growth factors (HGFs). Few clinical investigations have shown their autologous production both in vitro by human cell lines and in vivo by tumors.

Aim of the study: We have investigated the plasma levels of G-CSF GM-CSF and CA 15-3 in breast cancer patients before and after surgery, and before and after chemotherapy.

Material and methods: The plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 46 patients with breast cancer and in 30 healthy subjects. G-CSF and GM-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CA 15-3 was measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA).

Results: G-CSF and GM-CSF plasma levels were significantly higher in II stage breast cancer patients before surgery comparing to the control group. The plasma levels of tested cytokines were decreased after surgery, which suggested it's usefulness in evaluating breast cancer total resection. Both of tested cytokines after chemotherapy were increased, which suggested secretion from damaged breast cancer cells. Additionally we observed decreasing the plasma levels of cytokines, especially G-CSF in the 360th day after surgery. This latter result has prognostic function (no symptoms of cancer recurrence). In this study similar plasma levels of CA 15-3 were observed.

Conclusions: Tested cytokines, especially G-CSF, can be used in diagnostics and monitoring breast cancer therapy.