Abstract
BACKGROUND: This research embarked on a crucial endeavor to clarify the connection between levels of CD166 expression and the established Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) grading system. Through a comprehensive exploration of this correlation, the objective was to ascertain if CD166 could function as an additional biomarker, enhancing the predictive effectiveness of the BI-RADS classification. METHOD: This prospective observational study involved 81 women with histopathologically confirmed early breast tumors and 81 radiologically confirmed healthy breast volunteers. The BI-RADS scores of all the participants included in the study were recorded. Before starting treatment, serum, saliva, and urine samples were collected. The CD166 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The study involved the analysis and comparison of the mean and standard deviations of CD166 expression in serum, saliva, and urine across various BI-RADS categories. Notably, statistically significant differentiation was found (p=0.00) across all samples spanning the spectrum of BI-RADS categories. CONCLUSION: A progressive rise in CD166 concentration coincides with the increasing gradient of the BI-RADS category, implying a possible link between CD166 and breast cancer progression and severity.