Efficiency of Cancer Antigen 15-3, Trefoil Factor-3 and Human Epididymis Protein-4 Evaluation in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Cancer antigens in BC

Huda A. Owaid (1), Abdulkareem M. Jewad (2)
(1) Department of Medical Lab Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology, Southern Technical University, Iraq., Iraq,
(2) Department of Medical Lab Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology, Southern Technical University, Iraq., Iraq

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a significant global health concern, and postponement and frequent insufficiency of diagnosis have led to fatalities in many women. Consequently, it is advantageous to undertake research and evaluate novel biomarkers for BC detection and monitoring. The current study aimed to measure the efficiency of cancer antigen15-3 (CA15-3), trefoil factor-3 (TFF3), and human epididymis protein-4 (HE4) in diagnosing and monitoring BC.


Methods: The case-control study group consisted of 72 women with BC, categorized into pre-treatment (n=15) and post-treatment with chemotherapy involving anthracycline, cyclophosphamide, and docetaxel (ACD) (n=57). Additionally, incorporated 15 women as a healthy control group. Serum levels of these biomarkers were measured at Al-Sadder Teaching Hospital, Iraq, using COBAS Integra 400 Plus for CA15-3 and ELISA for TFF3 and HE4 measurement.


Results: Statistical analysis revealed significantly elevated CA15-3 and TFF3 levels in pretreatment and post-treatment groups compared to controls (P<0.0001), with CA15-3 increasing from 10.27 ± 2.89U/mL (controls) to 63.3 ± 19.24U/mL (pretreatment) and TFF3 from 4.73±0.97pg/mL to 1811.0±155pg/mL. The HE4 levels remained consistent across all groups (P=0.409).


Conclusion: These results reinforce the use of CA15-3 and TFF3 as complementary biomarkers for BC management, particularly in tracking treatment response and disease recurrence.

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Authors

Huda A. Owaid
huda.a.owayd@fgs.stu.edu.iq (Primary Contact)
Abdulkareem M. Jewad
1.
Owaid H, Jewad A. Efficiency of Cancer Antigen 15-3, Trefoil Factor-3 and Human Epididymis Protein-4 Evaluation in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: Cancer antigens in BC. Arch Breast Cancer [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr. 24];12(3). Available from: https://archbreastcancer.com/index.php/abc/article/view/1093

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