c-erbB-2 Expression in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): D.M. Barnes, G.A. Lammie, R.R. Millis, W.L. Gullick, D.S. Allen, D.G. Altman
Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund
Hypothesis
Is c-erbB-2 gene amplification indicative of poor prognosis in breast carcinoma?
Conclusion
The study found no significant association between c-erbB-2 staining and clinical outcomes, although there was a tendency for stained tumors to indicate worse prognosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 17 out of 195 patients showed significant c-erbB-2 amplification.
- Staining was correlated with tumor grade, with more grade III tumors showing staining.
- No significant association was found between staining and clinical outcomes.
Takeaway
This study looked at a gene related to breast cancer and found that while some tumors showed signs of this gene being amplified, it didn't clearly predict how well patients would do.
Methodology
Immunohistochemical staining of archival tissue from 195 patients with primary breast carcinoma was performed to evaluate c-erbB-2 expression.
Limitations
The study had a small number of patients with stained tumors, leading to wide confidence limits.
Participant Demographics
195 female patients aged 30-80 years, median age 54.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
0.77 to 2.02 for time to recurrence; 0.51 to 1.42 for overall survival.
Statistical Significance
p=0.04
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