The role of c-Myc and other cancer metabolism markers in breast cancer with Luminal A and HER2-positive

Background:Breast cancer, a prevalent malignancy in women, varies biologically across subtypes defined by ER, PR, and HER2. c-Myc, a critical tumor promoter, modulates metabolic pathways that increase glucose uptake, fueling rapid tumor growth and presenting a potential therapeutic target. Moreover, biomarkers such as LDH (cancer metabolism), HbA1c (long-term blood sugar), AST/ALT (liver function and toxicity), CA27-29 (breast cancer-specific marker), and lipid profiles (metabolic alterations) were analyzed. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the role of c-Myc and metabolic markers, including LDH, HbA1c, ALT, AST, and lipid profile, in cancer metabolism, with a particular focus on the Luminal A and HER2-positive breast cancer subtypes. Furthermore, it explores the significance of CA 27.29 as a potential marker for assessing the progression and aggressiveness of these subtypes of breast cancer. Materials andMethods:The study involved 80 women (aged 34-58): 22 with Luminal A, 22 with HER2-positive breast cancer, and 36 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy controls. c-Myc levels were measured using ELISA kits. Results:c-Myc levels were significantly higher in breast cancer patients (4.68±3.59 ng/ml) than controls (0.83±0.50 ng/ml). CA 27-29 levels were also elevated. Metabolic parameters, including LDH, HbA1c%, ALT, AST, and lipid profiles (except HDL), showed significant changes, with lower HDL in cancer patients. HER2-positive patients had higher CA 27-29 and LDH levels, suggesting greater treatment resistance and disease progression, with no significant differences in other markers. Conclusion:Monitoring metabolic markers, particularly c-Myc, is essential for understanding cancer metabolism and underscores the need for targeted therapies to enhance prognosis and treatment outcomes, especially in aggressive HER2-positive breast cancers.