High Concentration of TNF-α Can Involved in Malignancy Promotion of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis and malignancy. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of TNF-α across different subtypes and stages of breast cancer. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 114 patients with various subtypes and stages of breast cancer. Tumor necrosis factor-α levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum TNF-α levels were significantly higher in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to those with other breast cancer subtypes (P < 0.0001). Additionally, TNF-α levels were markedly higher in patients with stage III carcinoma than in those with stages I and II (P < 0.0001). Among stage III TNBC patients, TNF-α concentrations were significantly higher than those in stage III patients from other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Evaluating serum TNF-α concentrations can provide valuable insights for estimating cancer prognosis and guiding patient management.