Tumor M2-Pk as predictive factor in primary systemic chemotherapy in breast cancer

Abstract

891 Background: The isoenzyme tumor M2 of pyruvate kinase (M2-Pk) in glycolysis is overexpressed in solid tumors. This has given rise to the hypothesis that the concentration of M2-Pk is greater, the more malignant a tumor is. When one treats a locally advanced breast cancer with primary systemic chemotherapy one needs valid parameters for monitoring the treatment. We investigated whether M2-Pk would be useful as a monitoring parameter. Methods: Over a period of 12 months 18 patients suffering from locally advanced breast cancer received a primary systemic chemotherapy under study conditions (Gepartrio). Following surgery a complete histological investigation was carried out. The ELISA test (ScheBo, Tech GmbH) was used on blood samples taken before every chemotherapy cycle to determine the level of M2-Pk. The statistical evaluation was by means of the Mann-Whitney test and the chi-square test. Results: 4 of the 18 patients had a complete remission. Comparison of the M2-Pk baseline values with the known pr...