p53 autoantibodies can be indicative of the development of breast cancer relapse.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Serum autoantibodies (AAb) against mutated p53 protein have been detected in patients with invasive breast cancer of all stages. The present pilot study was conducted to investigate the use of p53 AAb titers in monitoring patients with recurrent breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sequential sera of 24 patients with primary non-metastatic breast cancer were retrospectively ELISA-tested for the presence of p53 AAb before therapy and during the clinical follow-up until relapse. RESULTS: At the time of first diagnosis the prevalence of p53 AAb was 11 out of 24 (46%). In 7 out of 11 initially positive-tested patients, therapy was paralleled by decreasing p53 AAb titers. In four of these patients relapse was preceded by an increase of the titer. In 2 out of 11 patients, the titers remained positive throughout follow-up, possibly indicating a lack of therapy response. Two patients, who initially tested negative, seroconverted to p53 AAb positivity upon relapse. CONCLUSION: Monitoring of p53 AAb during follow-up can be informative about the clinical course of the disease. The development of breast cancer relapse can be preceded by an increase of p53 AAb titer.