High levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the serum of breast cancer patients can serve as an independent prognostic marker
Background: Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a pentameric cartilage protein also expressed in breast cancer tumors. A high expression of COMP evaluated by immunohistochemical staining is as an independent prognostic marker associated with poor patients’ prognosis. Methods: Herein, levels of COMP were analyzed using an IVD approved ELISA in serum samples from 233 well-characterized bre