Abstract:
Objective This study aims to explore the expression and clinical significance of cystatin M in breast cancer.
Methods Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the level of cystatin M mRNA in 108 samples of breast cancer, 30 metastatic cancer, and 24 normal breast tissues. The relationship between the expression of cystatin M gene in human breast cancer and the clinilcopathological features was analyzed.
Results The cystatin M expression levels in breast cancer are correlated with TNM staging and clinical size of the tumor. The expression levels of cystatin M in breast cancer tissue are not significantly different from normal breast tissues and metastatic cancer tissues. Cystatin M expression levels in breast cancer are not correlated with lymph node metastasis, axillary lymph node status, histological grade, or pathological type. Cystatin M expression levels in breast cancer and metastatic cancer are not correlated with Her-2, ER, or PR status. Cystatin M expression levels in breast cancer are correlated with the overall survival.
Conclusions Whether cystatin M can be used as a prognostic marker for breast cancer metastasis still needs further studies.