Basal-like Breast Cancer: Metastasis Patterns and Survival
Author Information
Author(s): Laura G Fulford, Jorge S Reis-Filho, Ken Ryder, Chris Jones, Cheryl E Gillett, Andrew Hanby, Douglas Easton, Sunil R Lakhani
Primary Institution: Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research
Hypothesis
Basal-like tumours are biologically distinct from other ductal carcinomas and may have different subgroups.
Conclusion
Basal-like tumours show distinct metastatic patterns and relatively better long-term survival compared to other grade III tumours, but poorer survival after metastasis.
Supporting Evidence
- 20% of tumours showed CK14 expression.
- CK14-positive tumours were more likely to be oestrogen receptor-negative.
- CK14-positive cases developed less bone and liver metastases but more frequent brain metastases.
- Disease-free survival was significantly better in CK14-positive cases without metastatic disease.
Takeaway
Some breast cancers are different from others and can spread in unique ways. This study found that a specific type of breast cancer, called basal-like, can live longer without spreading, but if it does spread, it can be harder to treat.
Methodology
CK14 immunohistochemistry was performed on 443 grade III invasive ductal carcinomas with extended clinical follow-up.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in patient selection and treatment variations over time.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for all variables affecting survival.
Participant Demographics
Mean age at diagnosis was 53.2 years, with a range from 21 to 85 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI presented where appropriate.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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