Association Between Elevated CA15-3 Levels and Sex Hormonal Profile in Women With Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

Breast cancer is among the most common malignant neoplasms affecting women, and a combination of internal and external factors drives its development. The study aims to assess the associations between serum CA15-3 levels and the sex hormonal profile (Estradiol, Progesterone, and Luteinizing Hormone) in a cohort of Iraqi women with breast cancer who are undergoing systemic therapy, and to evaluate the influence of demographic and treatment-related factors on these associations. The investigation was conducted at the Oncology Department of Sadr Teaching Hospital and Zubair General Hospital in Basra Governorate. The study sample consisted of 93 participants, comprising 53 breast cancer patients (case group) and 40 healthy individuals (control group). Serum concentrations of the following parameters were measured: Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estradiol, and Progesterone using Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay technology on a Cobas e411 analyzer. Researchers used SPSS version 25 for data analysis, applying the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The results revealed statistically significant differences in these biochemical variables between the patient and healthy groups.  This study demonstrates a significant dysregulation of the sex hormonal profile with elevated LH and diminished estradiol and progesterone in Iraqi breast cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy. The significant positive correlation between CA15-3 and LH introduces a compelling potential interplay between tumor marker and hormone activity.