The protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are components of the complex plasminogen activating system. uPA and PAI-1 are not only involved in fibrinolysis. Both play a major role in tumor cell motility, new blood vessel formation, wound healing, seeding and spreading of tumor cells as well as metastasis. For node-negative breast cancer, the clinical utility of uPA/PAI-1 is proved by the highest level of evidence (LOE). The uPA/PAI-1 status has not only prognostic significance but is also predictive for response to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Test pre-conditions

Fresh frozen tumor tissue is a conditio sine qua non for the immuno-biochemical determination of uPA/PAI-1. If only routinely produced formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue should be available we recommend CGE-Chip analysis. Minute tissue quantities (e. g. needle biopsies) are sufficient for analysis.

Test duration

Maximum test duration is 4 days.

Logistics

Lead time between notification of our Lab and surgery must not be shorter than 24 hours for collection of deep-frozen tissue within Germany. Fourty-eight hours are required for other European countries. At least 72 hours are necessary for most non-European countries.