Altered Expression of Metastasis-Associated and Regulatory Molecules in Effusions from Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Our data provide documented evidence of molecular events that occur during the progression of breast carcinoma from primary tumor to effusion. The coordinated up-regulation of MMP-2 and Ets transcription factors in carcinoma cells in effusions is in full agreement with our previous reports linking these factors to poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. The rapid progression to effusion in cases showing MMP-1 and 67-kDa LR expression in primary tumor cells links aggressive clinical behavior with expression of metastasis-associated molecules in this setting.