Introduction/Background Cytokines are known to play a significant role in the regulation of estrogen synthesis in breast cancer tumor cells. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between serum concentration of the proinflamatory cytokines - Interleukin-6, IL-8 and proangiogenic cytokines - bFGF, VEGF, tumor marker - CA 15.3 in early-stage breast cancer patients and the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in tumor cells.

Methodology We evaluated serum concentration levels of CA15.3 and cytokines in a cohort of 99 untreated early-stage breast cancer patients using either Roche or ELISA system, respectively. The cohort consisted of 44 patients with stage I (T1N0) tumors, 23 stage IIA (T1N1) and 32 stage IIB (T2N1). Immunohistochemical staining was used for estrogen and progesterone receptors status identification.

Results In the studied group of patients, we observed a significant association between IL-8 and bFGF levels and the state of hormone receptors. The presence of estrogen receptors was associated only with bFGF and its concentrations were significantly higher in the group of patients in IIA (P=0.032) and IIA and IIB (P=0.036) in total. In the entire study group, a relationship between the presence of estrogen receptors and bFGF concentrations was observed, however only on the verge of statistical significance (P=0.056). However, in patients with stage I (T1N0), significantly higher concentrations of IL-8 (P=0.028) were associated with absence of the progesterone receptor status in comparison with patients with progesterone-positive tumours.

No association between the progesterone and estrogen receptors status and CA 15.3 and cytokines IL-6 and VEGF was observed.

Conclusion Our data demonstrates that serum levels of bFGF and IL-8 are associated with predictive-prognostic factors, such as hormonal receptor status in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Determination of these cytokines may be of clinical utility; however, further research is required.

Disclosure Nothing to disclose.