Prognostic impact of proteolytic factors (urokinase-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and cathepsins B, D, and L) in primary breast cancer reflects effects of adjuvant systemic therapy.

Purpose: Prognostic and predictive impact of five proteolytic factors associated with tumor invasion and metastasis in primary breast cancer were evaluated after long-term follow-up.

Experimental Design: Antigen levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), Cathepsins B, D, and L were determined using immunochemical assays in primary tumor tissue of 276 patients.

Results: During follow-up (median 109 months), 119 (43%) patients relapsed, and 117 (42%) died.

Long-term follow-up confirms prognostic impact of PAI-1 and cathepsin D and L in primary breast cancer.

After long-term follow-up, the prognostic impact of the following proteolytic factors associated with tumor invasion and metastasis was evaluated in 276 primary breast cancer patients: uPA (urokinase-type plasminogen activator), PAI-1 (uPA inhibitor type 1), and cathepsins B, D and L. The median follow-up of patients still alive at the time of analysis was 109 months. To date 119 patients (43%) have relapsed and 117 (42%) have died.