DNA Ploidy and S Phase Fraction in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): P.D. Stanton, T.G. Cooke, S.J. Oakes, J. Winstanley, S. Holt, W.D. George, G.D. Murray
Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow
Hypothesis
Does DNA ploidy and S phase fraction have prognostic significance in breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study found that neither DNA ploidy nor S phase fraction are statistically significant independent prognostic factors in breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 64% of tumors were DNA aneuploid.
- The median SPF was 4.5% for DNA diploid and 10.9% for DNA aneuploid tumors.
- Survival advantage for DNA diploid tumors was 4% at 5 years and 3% at 10 years, but not statistically significant.
- Relative hazard for DNA aneuploid tumors was 1.20.
- Relative hazard for high SPF tumors was 1.31.
Takeaway
The study looked at how DNA characteristics of breast tumors affect survival, but found that they don't really help predict outcomes.
Methodology
DNA ploidy and S phase fraction were measured in breast cancer tumors using flow cytometry on paraffin-embedded tissue.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the closure of hospitals and incomplete data on recurrence.
Limitations
Data on recurrence is incomplete due to hospital closures, and the accuracy of flow cytometric data is limited by technical factors.
Participant Demographics
Patients were part of the Liverpool Breast Cancer Series, treated by total mastectomy with axillary dissection, with no adjuvant therapy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.28 for ploidy, p=0.11 for SPF
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.81-1.76 for DNA aneuploid, 95% CI 0.87-1.98 for high SPF
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