The hTERT mRNA in plasma samples of early breast cancer patients, non-cancer patients and healthy individuals
Abstract:
One of the most important changes, which make cancer cells immortal, is reactivation of the telomerase enzyme. Human telomerase is composed of at least two subunits, hTERT and hTR. Many investigators have already detected telomerase mRNA in bodily fluids. The first aim of our study was to find out if there is a difference in the appearance frequency of detectable hTERT mRNA in plasma of early breast cancer patients, non-cancer patients and healthy individuals. The second aim was to determine whether surgical removal of the tumor affects the presence of hTERT mRNA in plasma of early breast cancer patients. 87 patients with early breast cancer, 22 non-cancer patients and 21 healthy individuals were included in the study. From early breast cancer patients, two blood samples were collected, the first prior and the second 24 hours after the surgical removal of the tumor. From other individuals one blood sample was collected. The presence or absence of hTERT mRNA was determined from all blood samples. 47% of early breast cancer patients, 32% of non-cancer patients and 5% of healthy individuals tested positive for the presence of hTERT mRNA in plasma. The difference between early breast cancer patients and healthy individuals was statistically significant (p