Pathological Response After Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Chollet P, Amat S, Cure H, de Latour M, Bouedec G Le, Mouret-Reynier M-A, Ferriere J-P, Achard J-L, Dauplat J, Penault-Llorca F
Primary Institution: Centre Jean Perrin
Hypothesis
Does a pathological complete response after chemotherapy indicate a better prognosis for breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Patients with a complete pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy have significantly better disease-free survival rates compared to those with incomplete responses.
Supporting Evidence
- 60 patients achieved a complete pathological response, representing 15.2% of those evaluated.
- Patients with a complete response had a 15-year disease-free survival rate significantly higher than those with incomplete responses.
- Positive axillary nodes were significantly related to the persistence of breast tumors.
Takeaway
This study found that if breast cancer patients have no signs of cancer left after chemotherapy, they are more likely to live longer without the disease coming back.
Methodology
The study analyzed 451 operable breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and assessed their pathological responses and survival outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of patients and the retrospective nature of the analysis.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for all variables affecting survival.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 49 years, with 54.8% premenopausal and a range of tumor sizes and stages.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.024
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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