EGFR Status and Prognosis in Early Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): G. Gasparini, P. Bevilacqua, F. Pozza, S. Melil, P. Boracchi, E. Marubini, J.R.C. Sainsbury
Primary Institution: St. Bortolo Regional Hospital, USSL 8 Vicenza-Veneto, Italy
Hypothesis
Does the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) correlate with prognosis in early breast cancer?
Conclusion
EGFR status is a significant and independent indicator of recurrence in early breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 56% of tumors were EGFR-positive.
- Patients with EGFR-positive tumors had a significantly worse relapse-free survival probability.
- EGFR status retained prognostic value in multivariate analysis.
Takeaway
This study found that if a breast cancer tumor has a certain protein called EGFR, it might mean the cancer could come back, and checking for this protein can help doctors decide on treatment.
Methodology
The study analyzed 164 primary breast cancer patients for EGFR status and other prognostic factors using immunocytochemical assays.
Limitations
The study had a limited follow-up period and a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 56 years, with a mix of premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
(1.57-8.41)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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