Utility of Serum and Urine uPAR Levels for Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Malignant tumors have a capacity to degrade the extracellular matrix by controlled proteolysis. One systeminvolved in these processes is the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system. uPAR levels are elevatedin tumors from several types of cancer. Our study was planned to investigate serum and urine levels of uPARin breast cancer patients (n=180) and healthy controls (n=60) by ELISA. Serum (p<0.001) and urine (p<0.001)uPAR values in the patients were both significantly elevated. High serum and urine levels of uPAR can be usedas diagnostic tools in lymph node positive patients.