Study of the Potential Role of Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Levels in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Breast Cancer in Egyptian Females "A Case-Control Study"

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of malignancy in females all over the world. Continuous scientific research for the discovery of new markers helping is a cornerstone for early disease detection and proper management.

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the role of Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as prognostic markers for breast cancer in an Egyptian female population.

Patients and Methods: 120 BC patients and 30 healthy controls were the subjects of the study; serum NGAL levels were investigated and correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of the BC patients.

Results: Our study showed that NGAL was significantly different between healthy controls and BC patients, and it revealed a gradual increase with disease severity.

Conclusion: Our findings suggested that NGAL could be diagnostic marker for early case detection, and was shown to be associated with breast cancer prognosis, supporting its role as prognostic biomarker.