Efficacy of nab-paclitaxel does not seem to be associated with SPARC expression in metastatic breast cancer

Anticancer Res. 2014 Nov;34(11):6609-15.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of the expression of the secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) for nab-paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients and methods: Forty-four patients with progressive MBC were prospectively treated with nab-paclitaxel. Expression of SPARC in tumor cells was assessed by an immunoreactive score, integrating staining intensity and percentage of positive tumor cells; expression in stroma based on staining intensity. SPARC serum levels were determined before 1st and 2nd cycle of nab-paclitaxel and at progression. By applying several cut-offs the association between SPARC expression or serum levels and clinical end-points was analyzed.

Results: No clear association between expression of SPARC in primary or metastatic tumor tissue or in serum and any clinical end-point could be detected regardless of the various cut-offs applied.

Conclusion: Efficacy of nab-paclitaxel in MBC does not seem to be associated with expression of SPARC in tumor tissues or serum.

Keywords: Metastatic breast cancer; SPARC; chemotherapy; nab-paclitaxel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Albumins / administration & dosage*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / secondary
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Osteonectin / metabolism*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage*
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • 130-nm albumin-bound paclitaxel
  • Albumins
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Osteonectin
  • SPARC protein, human
  • Paclitaxel