pNR-2/pS2 Protein in Breast Cancer and Its Prognostic Factors
Author Information
Author(s): J.A. Henry, N.H. Piggott, U.K. Mallick, S. Nicholson, J.R. Farndon, B.R. Westley, F.E.B. May
Primary Institution: University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Hypothesis
Does pNR-2/pS2 protein expression correlate with prognostic factors and endocrine response in breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study found that positive pNR-2 immunohistochemical staining in primary tumours is predictive of response to hormonal therapy on relapse.
Supporting Evidence
- 68% of the tumours showed positive pNR-2 staining.
- Positive pNR-2 staining correlated significantly with oestrogen receptor presence.
- Smaller, better differentiated tumours were more likely to stain positively for pNR-2.
- 41% of premenopausal women had tumours with high pNR-2 expression compared to 21% of postmenopausal women.
- pNR-2 expression was predictive of response to hormonal therapy on relapse.
Takeaway
This study looked at a protein called pNR-2 in breast cancer and found that if this protein is present, it can help doctors predict how well a patient will respond to hormone treatments.
Methodology
Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin sections of 172 primary breast cancers to assess pNR-2 expression.
Limitations
The study could not find significant associations between pNR-2 expression and time to relapse or overall survival.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 172 women with primary breast cancer, with a mix of premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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