Evaluating CBL-B Protein Expression in Breast Cancer: Implications for Athlete Health and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the expression levels of CBL-B protein in breast cancer tissues and assesses its correlation with the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, focusing on implications for health management in female athletes. Methods: From March 2020 to March 2021, one hundred breast cancer patients treated at our hospital were randomly selected. Their tumors were tested for CBL-B protein expression, and their responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed. We examined the relationship between CBL-B expression and various clinical parameters including histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor stage. Results: Higher levels of CBL-B protein were observed in breast cancer tissues compared to normal breast tissues (P<0.05). There was a significant correlation between CBL-B expression and histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor stage (R = 0.172, P = 0.015; R = 0.119, P = 0.023; R = 0.117, P = 0.016). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly more effective in patients with fewer than six lymph node metastases compared to those with more (P ≤0.05). The efficacy of chemotherapy varied significantly with tumor stage and number of lymph node metastases, but not with histological grade (P ≤0.05). Statistical analysis confirmed that tumor stage, histological grade, and the number of lymph node metastases are significant independent factors influencing the outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P<0.05). Conclusions: CBL-B protein expression is positively correlated with more advanced disease and poorer outcomes in neoadjuvant chemotherapy. For female athletes, who must balance treatment with continued participation in sports, understanding the implications of CBL-B expression on treatment efficacy can help tailor therapeutic approaches. This might facilitate better management of treatment schedules, potentially aligning chemotherapy sessions to minimize impact on athletic training and performance.