Taha Hewala - Department of Radiation Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Mohamed Kamel - Department of Experimental and Clinical Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Yasmin Elwany - Department of Cancer Management and Research, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Noha Zekry Zekry - Department of Radiation Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Background: Traditional tumor markers such as cancer antigen ۱۵.۳ (CA۱۵.۳) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) exhibit limited clinical utility in breast cancer due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity, particularly for detecting low-volume tumors. Other serum markers, such as nestin, may offer more promise. This study aimed to assess the clinical significance of serum nestin and CA۱۵.۳ in breast cancer patients.Method: This case-control study enrolled ۸۰ normal control females and ۸۰ females with breast cancer. Serum samples were collected from both control and breast cancer groups. The serum nestin and CA۱۵.۳ levels were measured in all samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.Results: The serum levels of nestin and CA۱۵.۳ were found to be significantly elevated in the breast cancer patient group compared with the control group. Preoperative serum nestin levels exceeding ۹.۹ ng/ml demonstrated a substantial odds ratio of ۲۷ (confidence interval: ۴.۵۷-۱۵۹.۶۷; P = ۰.۰۰۰۳). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, serum nestin exhibited the highest significant area under the curve at ۸۵.۲% (P < ۰.۰۰۱), followed by serum CA۱۵.۳ at ۷۰% (P = ۰.۰۲۱). Post-surgery serum nestin levels significantly decreased compared with pre-surgery levels (P = ۰.۰۴۵).Conclusion: Serum nestin outperforms serum CA۱۵.۳ in diagnosing breast cancer patients. Elevated serum nestin levels may represent a significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Furthermore, serum nestin can monitor the effects of surgery, whereas none of the assessed biomarkers exhibit a significant role in monitoring the effects of chemotherapy on breast cancer patients.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant, Breast neoplasms, diagnosis, Nestin