DNA Analysis and Prognosis in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): S.M. O'Reilly, R.S. Camplejohn, D.M. Barnes, R.R. Millis, D. Allen, R.D. Rubens, M.A. Richards
Primary Institution: ICRF Clinical Oncology Unit, Guy's Hospital, London
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between DNA flow cytometry results and clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Patients with a low S-phase fraction showed significantly better survival outcomes compared to those with a high S-phase fraction.
Supporting Evidence
- 44 (31.4%) of the 140 tumors were diploid.
- The median S-phase fraction of the whole population was 7.1%.
- Diploid tumors had a significantly lower median S-phase fraction (3.2%) than aneuploid tumors (10.1%).
- An S-phase fraction below the median was strongly associated with better relapse-free survival (P=0.008).
- High S-phase fraction was strongly associated with high histological grade (P<0.001).
Takeaway
This study looked at how the DNA of breast cancer tumors can help predict how well patients will do. It found that tumors with less active DNA are linked to better survival.
Methodology
DNA index and S-phase fraction were measured by flow cytometry on paraffin embedded tissue from 140 primary breast tumors.
Limitations
The study did not measure steroid receptors on all tumors, which may limit the understanding of their relationship with DNA analysis.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 169 women with stage I or II breast cancer, with a minimum follow-up of 8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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