Prediction of outcome in locally advanced breast cancer by post-chemotherapy nodal status and baseline serum tumour markers
2002

Predicting Outcomes in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Sample size: 104 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Brenner B, Siris N, Rakowsky E, Fenig E, Sulkes A, Lurie H

Primary Institution: Institute of Oncology, Rabin Medical Center

Hypothesis

Can post-chemotherapy nodal status and baseline serum tumor markers predict outcomes in locally advanced breast cancer?

Conclusion

Baseline tumor markers and post-chemotherapy nodal status are strong predictors of outcome in locally advanced breast cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • The 5-year overall survival rate for the entire group was 65%.
  • Patients with inflammatory breast cancer had significantly worse outcomes.
  • Baseline tumor markers were associated with a greater than four-fold risk of dying from breast cancer.

Takeaway

This study looked at patients with advanced breast cancer and found that certain tests can help doctors predict how well patients will do after treatment.

Methodology

The study analyzed 104 patients treated with a multimodality program including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, and assessed various prognostic factors.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the study being conducted at a single center and the retrospective nature of the analysis.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and conducted at a single institution, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Median age was 50 years, with 57% of patients of Ashkenazi origin and 48% having a family history of malignancy.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P=0.0000, P=0.0004, P=0.003

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600616

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