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International audience; Shifting from the historical TNM paradigm to the determination of molecular and genetic subtypes of tumors has been a major improvement to better picture cancerous diseases. The sharper the picture is, the better will be the possibility to develop subsequent strategies, thus achieving higher efficacy and prolonged survival eventually. Recent studies suggest that urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA receptor (uPAR), and plasmino-gen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) may play a critical role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Consistent with their role in cancer dissemination, high levels of uPA, PAI-1, and uPAR in multiple cancer types correlate with dismal prognosis. In this respect, upfront determination of uPA and PAI-1 as invasion markers has further opened up the possibilities for individualized therapy of breast cancer. Indeed, uPA and PAI-1 could help to classify patients on their risk for metastatic spreading and subsequent relapse, thus helping clinicians in their decision-making process to propose, or not propose, adjuvant therapy. This review covers the implications for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of uPA and PAI-1, and therefore how they could be major actors in the development of a precision medicine in breast cancer.

Le cancer représente la deuxième cause de mortalité dans le monde. Sa prise en charge est multidisciplinaire dont la part du biologiste est non négligeable. Le dosage des marqueurs tumoraux sériques permet d’identifier dans le sang des substances pouvant indiquer la présence d’un cancer. En pratique médicale, on assiste souvent à des prescriptions fréquentes du dosage de marqueurs tumoraux et qui ne sont pas toujours appropriées, entrainant ainsi un surcout financier important. Dans cet article, sont passés en revue les points particuliers concernant les dosages des marqueurs tumoraux sériques : classification, indications et intérêt de la prescription, ainsi que les bonnes pratiques que chaque médecin doit connaitre et bien maitriser.