p53 as a potential predictive factor of response to chemotherapy: feasibility of p53 assessment using a functional test in yeast from trucut biopsies in breast cancer patients
2002

p53 Testing in Breast Cancer Biopsies

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): H Bonnefoi, A Ducraux, S Movarekhi, M F Pelte, S Bongard, E Lurati, R Iggo

Primary Institution: Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève

Hypothesis

p53 mutant tumours will be anthracycline-resistant but taxane-sensitive.

Conclusion

p53 status can be reliably determined by yeast assay from trucut biopsies in breast cancer patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • The yeast assay was successful on 87 out of 90 samples.
  • Histological examination is essential to ensure adequate tumor cell content.
  • p53 status was defined in 97% of patients by double trucut biopsy.

Takeaway

Doctors can check if a breast cancer tumor has a specific gene change using a special test on small tissue samples, which helps decide the best treatment.

Methodology

Two trucut biopsies and one incisional biopsy were performed on patients, and p53 status was assessed using a yeast functional assay.

Limitations

The study faced challenges with RNA quality and low tumor cell content in some samples.

Participant Demographics

Patients with clinically palpable breast tumors of at least 2 cm.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600105

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