Detection of PIP mRNA level in peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer and it chinical significance

OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical significancer of the detection of breast cancer micrometastases in peripheral blood by using PIP(prolactin-inducible protein)mRNA reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).METHODS:PIP mRNA level in peripheral blood was detected in 69 patients with breast cancer,28 patients with breast benign lesions and 10 heathly volunteers as conrols by RT-PCR.RESULTS:The potisve rate of PIP mRNA expession was 30.4%,no positive PIP mRNA was found in peripheral blood of 28 patients with breast benign lesions and 10 heathly volunteers.There was a significant difference between the two groups.PIP mRNA expession was correlated with axillary lymph nodes status.There were no significant differences between any of other clinical parameters(age,tumor size,TNM stage,histopathlogy types,estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor).CONCLUSION:PIP mRNA may be a tumor marker in detecting cancer cells in peripheral blood.