Adhesion Molecules ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 as Potential Biomarkers of Central Nervous System Damage in Women Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common tumor in women worldwide with high mortality rates. Surgical methods followed by radio–chemotherapy are used to treat these tumors. Such treatment can lead to various side effects, including neurological complications. The development of a reliable biomarker to predict the onset of CNS complications could improve clinical outcomes. In the current study, ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 serum levels were measured as potential biomarkers in 45 female patients in a long-term follow-up period after breast cancer treatment, and compared to 25 age-matched female healthy volunteers. Serum levels of both biomarkers, ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 were significantly higher in patients after breast cancer treatment and could be associated with cognitive dysfunction, depression, and vestibulocerebellar ataxia. In conclusion, our results provide a first hint that elevated serum levels of ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 could serve as early predictive biomarkers in breast cancer survivors that might help to improve the management of these patients.