Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Early Relapse
Author Information
Author(s): E. May, H. Mouriesse, F. May-Levin, J.F. Qian, P. May, J.-C. Delarue
Primary Institution: Institut Gustave-Roussy
Hypothesis
Is the ER+(R) status a significant predictor of early relapse in breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
The study found that both ER+(R) status and c-erbB-2 mRNA levels are significant independent predictors of early relapse in breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- High levels of c-erbB-2 mRNA were significantly correlated with inflammatory carcinoma and lymph node involvement.
- ER+(R) status was defined as a new early prognostic factor for breast cancer.
- Patients with ER+(R2) had a higher risk of early relapse compared to those with ER+(R1).
- Multivariate analysis showed that c-erbB-2 mRNA overexpression was a significant predictor of early relapse.
Takeaway
This study helps doctors understand which breast cancer patients are more likely to have their cancer come back early, based on certain tests.
Methodology
The study analyzed untreated and non-metastatic breast carcinoma samples from 89 patients, assessing ER and c-erbB-2 mRNA levels.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size and a short median follow-up period of 30 months.
Participant Demographics
Patients included both operable and inflammatory breast cancer cases, with a mix of ER-positive and ER-negative tumors.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p=0.02
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