Abstract: Objective To detect the TNFSF13 expression and to evaluate its possible use as a potential prognostic marker in breast cancer. Methods We analyzed TNFSF13 expression by Western blot and qRT-PCR in 93 breast cancer patients. Results Our results showed that TNFSF13 was overexpressed in breast cancer tissue.High TNFSF13 mRNA expression was closely correlated with tumor differentiation, pN classification（P = 0.003，0.022）. In addition, patients with high TNFSF13 expression had a significantly shorter survival analyzed by Kaplan-Meier (P=0.04, log-rank test). Cox proportional hazards regression multivariable analysis revealed that high expression of TNFSF13 was identified as an independent prognostic factor (P=0.03). Conclusion TNFSF13 expression might be a novel target for prognosis and intensive therapy in breast cancer patients.

Key words: TNFSF13 , Breast cancer , Prognosis