Klin Onkol 2001; 14(2): 51-54.
Summary:
Backgrounds: Shortening of telomeres (specialized structures at the ends of chromosomes) beyond acertain length may signal a cell to stop division and to enter cell death. A ribonucleoprotein enzyme, telomerase, is a key component in maintaining telomere length and is responsible for continuous cell growth. The aim of our work was to measure the levels of telomerase expression in primary breast cancers and benign breast lesions by means of quantitative method (Telo TAAG Telomerase PCR ELISA) and correlate telomerase activities with traditional prognostic indicators and disease outcome.
Methods, results: We analyzed telomerase activity in fibrocystic and dysplastic tissues (N= 27), fibroadenomas and phylloid tumors (N= 27) and breast carcinomas (N=154). Relative telomerase activity differed significantly in these tissues. The highest activity was found in breast cancer. Clinical sensitivity of telomerase activity determination for malignant tissues was 73% at 93% specificity in comparison with benign mammary tumors. The telomerase activity seems to be an independent prognostic factor in relation to pT, pN, ER, PR, because tumor size, positive axillary lymph nodes, and steroid receptor levels did not correlate with telomerase activity. The trend of higher telomerase is characteristic for less differentiated tumors and tumors of patients with disease progression.
Conclusions: Quantitative determination of telomerase activity is useful for distinguishing benign and malignant tissue in minimal specimens of tumors. The higher activity is associated with more aggressive malignant phenotype.
