AGE-RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GH/IGF-1 AXIS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF BREAST CANCER

Objective: To evaluate age-related characteristics of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in patients with breast cancer and to determine their association with clinical and morphological tumor characteristics. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 women with verified breast cancer, divided into three age groups: under 40 years (n=14), 40–59 years (n=60), and 60–74 years (n=26). Serum levels of GH and IGF-1 were measured. Additionally, Ki-67 index, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status, HER2/neu expression, histological grade, and BI-RADS categories were analyzed. Both intergroup and paired statistical analyses were performed. Results: GH levels did not differ significantly between age groups (P=0.684). IGF-1 levels showed a statistically significant decrease with age (P=0.008), with the highest values observed in patients younger than 40 years. A trend toward higher Ki-67 levels in younger patients was noted (P=0.208). HER2, ER, and PR statuses were not associated with age (P>0.05), although a tendency toward decreased PR positivity was observed in older women. Tumor laterality and BI-RADS categories were not age-dependent. Histological differentiation showed a weak, statistically non-significant association (P=0.115). Conclusion:Age influences IGF-1 levels but not GH levels in breast cancer patients. Elevated IGF-1 levels in younger women may be associated with higher proliferative activity and greater tumor aggressiveness. These findings highlight the importance of considering age-related endocrine factors in personalized treatment approaches.

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