Breast cancer (BC) is the most common tumour in women and one of the most
important causes of cancer death worldwide. Radiation therapy (RT) is widely used
for BC treatment. Some proteins have been identified as prognostic factors for BC
(Ki67, p53, E‐cadherin, HER2). In the last years, it has been shown that variations
in the expression of MMPs and TIMPs may contribute to the development of BC.
The aim of this pilot work was to study the effects of RT on different MMPs (‐1, ‐2,
‐3, ‐7, ‐8, ‐9, ‐10, ‐12 and ‐13) and TIMPs (‐1 to ‐4), as well as their relationship with
other variables related to patient characteristics and tumour biology. A group of
20 BC patients treated with RT were recruited. MMP and TIMP serum levels were
analysed by immunoassay before, during and after RT. Our pilot study showed a
slight increase in the levels of most MMP and TIMP with RT. However, RT produced
a significantly decrease in TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐3 levels. Significant correlations were
found between MMP‐3 and TIMP‐4 levels, and some of the variables studied related
to patient characteristics and tumour biology. Moreover, MMP‐9 and TIMP‐3
levels could be predictive of RT toxicity. For this reason, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, TIMP‐3
and TIMP‐4 could be used as potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers for BC
patients treated with RT.FUNDACIÓN PROGRESO Y SALUD,
Grant/Award Number: PI‐730; Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, Grant/Award Number:
PIE16‐00045; Oncología Básica y Clínica,
Grant/Award Number: CTS‐20