Choline Levels and Breast Cancer Recurrence
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Hyunjik, Park Heungkyu, Chun Yongsoon, Kim Hagjun, Baek Hyeonman, Kim Yunyeong
Primary Institution: Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Hypothesis
Can total choline levels measured by proton MRS predict late recurrence in HR+/HER2- early breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Total choline levels measured by in vivo MRS can predict prognosis in HR+/HER2- early breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Mean total choline levels were significantly associated with 10-year disease-free survival.
- Patients with total choline levels below 15 had a different survival rate compared to those with levels above 15.
- Total choline levels improved predictive accuracy when combined with other prognostic factors.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special scan to check choline levels in breast cancer patients to help predict if the cancer will come back later.
Methodology
The study used in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure total choline levels in breast cancer patients before surgery.
Potential Biases
The study included patients with multifocal/multicentric breast cancer, which may affect the results.
Limitations
The study was retrospective, had a long follow-up period with potential loss to follow-up, and did not quantify total choline concentrations.
Participant Demographics
The study included 261 HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients with a mean age of 50.6 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.046
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.02–7.09
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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