Aggressive Behavior of c-erbB-2 Positive Breast Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): C.A. Schroeter, C.R. De Potter, K. Rathsmann, R.G.J. Willighagen, J.C. Greepl
Primary Institution: University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Does the expression of the c-erbB-2 oncogene correlate with the prognosis of breast cancer?
Conclusion
c-erbB-2 positive breast tumors tend to behave more aggressively in the first few years after diagnosis, but this difference diminishes over a longer follow-up period.
Supporting Evidence
- c-erbB-2 positive tumors showed a trend for worse disease-free survival in the first few years after diagnosis.
- Significant correlation was found between c-erbB-2 positivity and liver metastases as the first site of metastasis.
- c-erbB-2 positive tumors were associated with higher histological grades.
Takeaway
Breast tumors that test positive for a certain gene (c-erbB-2) can be more aggressive at first, but over time, they may not be as different from other tumors.
Methodology
The study analyzed breast cancer samples from patients, assessing c-erbB-2 expression and correlating it with various clinical outcomes over a follow-up period of 7 to 12 years.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in patient selection and loss to follow-up could affect the results.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may have biases related to patient selection and follow-up.
Participant Demographics
The study included 253 patients, predominantly female, with a median age of 59.07 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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