uPA is a marker for which type of cancer?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

uPA, or urokinase-type plasminogen activator, is a proteolytic enzyme that plays a role in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and is involved in processes such as tumor invasion and metastasis. Research has indicated that elevated levels of uPA are associated with aggressive forms of breast cancer.

The measurement of uPA in tumor tissue has been shown to provide prognostic information for breast cancer patients. Studies suggest that higher levels of uPA correlate with a greater likelihood of recurrence and poorer overall survival outcomes. This makes uPA a valuable marker in the clinical assessment of breast cancer, aiding in the evaluation of treatment plans and patient management.

In contrast, while uPA may have associations with other types of cancer, its strongest and most clinically validated correlation is with breast cancer, making it the correct answer for this question.

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