c-erbB-2 Oncoprotein Expression in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): C. Lovekin, I.O. Ellis, A. Locker, J.F.R. Robertson, J. Bell, R. Nicholson, W.J. Gullick, C.W. Elston, R.W. Blamey
Primary Institution: City Hospital, Nottingham
Hypothesis
Does c-erbB-2 protein expression correlate with survival outcomes in breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
c-erbB-2 protein expression is a significant prognostic indicator in breast cancer, with higher expression linked to poorer survival.
Supporting Evidence
- 15% of primary operable cancer patients showed c-erbB-2 positivity.
- 20% of advanced breast cancer patients showed c-erbB-2 positivity.
- Patients with c-erbB-2 positivity had a 35% 10-year survival rate compared to 55% for those without.
- Median survival for stage 3 patients with c-erbB-2 positivity was 17 months versus 24 months for negativity.
- Median survival for stage 4 patients with c-erbB-2 positivity was 8.8 months compared to 19.7 months for negativity.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called c-erbB-2 can help doctors predict how well patients with breast cancer might do. If the protein is present, patients may not live as long.
Methodology
The study involved immunohistochemical assessment of c-erbB-2 expression in tumor samples from 782 breast cancer patients, followed by survival analysis.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to all breast cancer patients, particularly those with node-negative disease, due to the lower prevalence of c-erbB-2 positivity.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 602 with primary operable cancer, 57 with stage 3, and 123 with stage 4 breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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