Abstract
ABSTRACT Background The metabolic syndrome is known to negatively influence breast cancer outcome. One of the syndromes components is hyperinsulinism, which can exert tumor-promoting effects directly or through increased hepatic IGF1-production. A fasting insulin concentration > 10 µIU/ml and/or a HOMA score > 2.6 are considered diagnostic for the metabolic syndrome. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the relation between insulin resistance and tumor characteristics. Study design Prior to surgery we collected blood samples of 33 consecutive non-diabetic postmenopausal women with early breast cancer to measure fasting insulin and glucose concentration. Correlation analyses were performed for both fasting insulin and HOMA-score (insulin resistance index) and parameters tested were body mass index, mitotic activity index (MAI), Bloom Richardson score (BNR) and tumor diameter. We also compared nodal status, ER-status and Her2-status of insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive breast cancer patients. Results Median age was 66 (49- 86) years and median BMI was 25.8 (18.6- 45.4) kg/m2. Median MAI was 7 (1-52), median tumor diameter was 12 (3- 70) mm and 9 patients had node-positive disease ( 2 N0itc, 5 N1, 2 N2). Insulin resistance was found in 5 (15 %) patients. BMI showed a strong positive correlation with insulin concentration and HOMA score (2-sided Pearson test; P= 0.000). Insulin resistant and insulin sensitive patients however did not differ in terms of MAI, BNR, tumor diameter, nodal status, ER-status and Her2-status. Conclusion In postmenopausal non-diabetic women with early breast cancer insulin resistance is encountered quite often. It does however not appear to alter cancer biology. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.