c-Src Activation and Breast Cancer Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Campbell E J, McDuff E, Tatarov O, Tovey S, Brunton V, Cooke T G, Edwards J
Primary Institution: Division of Cancer Sciences and Molecular Pathology, Department of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
Hypothesis
Is c-Src expression involved in endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast cancer?
Conclusion
High levels of activated c-Src in the nucleus are associated with improved patient outcomes in ER-positive breast cancer treated with tamoxifen.
Supporting Evidence
- High levels of nuclear activated c-Src were significantly associated with improved overall survival.
- Activated c-Src expression was linked to lower recurrence rates in tamoxifen-treated patients.
- The study found that improved outcomes were only seen in ER-positive/PgR-positive tumors.
Takeaway
This study found that when a specific protein called c-Src is active in the nucleus of breast cancer cells, patients tend to do better with treatment.
Methodology
The study analyzed 262 ER-positive breast cancer specimens using tissue microarray technology and immunohistochemistry to assess c-Src expression.
Potential Biases
Potential observer bias in scoring immunohistochemistry results.
Limitations
The study did not stratify for HER2 status and only included patients diagnosed between 1980 and 1999.
Participant Demographics
Patients diagnosed with primary operable ER-positive breast cancer treated with adjuvant tamoxifen.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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