García M, Augereau P, Briozzo P, Capony F, Cavailles V, Freiss G, Maudelonde T, Montcourrier P, Vignon F, Rochefort H
Unité Hormones et Cancer (U 148) INSERM, Montpellier, France.
Rev Esp Fisiol. 1990 Mar;46(1):39-41.
The lysosomal protease, pro-cathepsin D, is overexpressed and secreted by human breast cancers. In estrogen-responsive breast cancer cell lines, estrogens and growth factors stimulate cathepsin D expression through distinct mechanisms. Clinical studies indicate that high cathepsin D concentration in primary breast cancers is correlated with an increased risk of metastasis and particularly useful to orientate node-negative tumors towards an adjuvant therapy.
