A study by the Biomedical Research Institute of Bellvitge (Idibell) in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona) and the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) has identified inflammatory markers related to the prognosis of breast cancer, reports Idibell this Thursday in a statement
The research, published in the ‘British Journal of Cancer’, has the collaboration of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and analyzes the association between the levels of several markers of inflammation in the blood of 1,538 patients with breast cancer. 8 countries belonging to the European Epic cohort.
Researchers quantified blood levels of cytokines from samples taken before cancer diagnosis and followed up for an average of 7 years per patient to analyze the risk of survival and mortality from breast cancer based on blood levels. of these molecules.
The results detect that high levels of cytonins, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) are associated with “shorter survival, with a greater impact in women who were postmenopausal at the time of diagnosis.
The researcher Carlota Castro has specified that women with higher levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNFa presented “an increase in the risk of overall mortality of between 20% and 40%”, which shows an association between increase in biomarkers and increase in global mortality.
The finding supports the hypothesis that the state of general low-intensity inflammation maintained over time (chronic inflammation) “may play an important role in the progression of breast cancer,” although the researchers emphasize that more studies of samples must be carried out. blood before and after cancer diagnosis.
How can the identification of specific inflammatory markers be used to develop more targeted and effective breast cancer treatments?
Here are some open-ended questions focusing on the key topics of the article, divided into thematic sections:
**I. Understanding the Research:**
* What are the potential implications of identifying these specific inflammatory markers in relation to breast cancer prognosis?
* This study looked at eight European countries. How might cultural, dietary, or environmental factors influence the results across these different populations?
* How could these findings be used to improve personalized treatment plans for breast cancer patients?
**II. Chronic Inflammation and Breast Cancer:**
* The article highlights the connection between chronic inflammation and breast cancer progression. What are some possible reasons why chronic inflammation might contribute to cancer development and spread?
* How do these findings contribute to our existing understanding of the role of the immune system in cancer?
* Given the long-term nature of the study (7 years), what implications does this have for preventative measures and early detection strategies?
**III. Future Research Directions:**
* What are the limitations of this study, and what further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings?
* How can we best identify individuals who are at higher risk for developing chronic inflammation and potentially benefit from early interventions?
* Considering the findings about the impact on postmenopausal women, are there specific risk factors or biological mechanisms that warrant further investigation in this group?
**IV. Impact on Patients and Healthcare:**
* How might these findings empower patients to take a more active role in their healthcare and make informed decisions about their treatment options?
* What are the potential ethical implications of using these inflammatory markers for diagnosis and prognosis, especially regarding access to treatment and insurance coverage?
* How can we ensure that these findings translate into accessible and equitable healthcare solutions for all women, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location?
These open-ended questions are designed to encourage discussion, critical thinking, and exploration of the broader implications of this research. They invite diverse perspectives and consider both the scientific findings and their potential impact on individuals and society.
