Inflammatory markers in metastatic breast cancer.

Abstract

e11545 Background: The effects of inflammation on the prognosis, life expectancy and several parameters such as response to treatment of breast cancer have been previously studied. The aim of this study is to find out the importance of serum markers as a prognostic indicator in metastatic breast cancer Methods: Women with metastatic breast cancer at the time of diagnosis were included. The study was conducted in Hacettepe University, Institute of Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology. Patient data were collected between December 2009 and January 2013. For all studied parameters Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and p values computed by log-rank test were calculated. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Median follow-up time was 26 months. There were 29 mortalities due to disease progression during the follow up. The levels of serum albumin, ESR and LDH were not associated with a significant effect on overall survival. Among patients with a higher serum CRP estimated median survival was 84±36 months, compared to 278±113 months among patients with a normal serum CRP (p = 0.49). Among patients with higher serum ferritin levels estimated median survival was 29±10 months, compared to 212±113 months for normal serum ferritin (p = 0.01). Among patients with higher serum beta-2 microglobulin estimated median survival was 28±8 months, compared to 84±57 months for normal levels (p<0.01). Conclusions: Serum CRP, ferritin and beta-2 microglobulin can be useful prognostic factors for overall survival among metastatic breast cancer patients.