Prognostic Significance of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Gunnarsson C, Hellqvist E, Stål O
Primary Institution: Department of Biomedicine and Surgery, Division of Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
Hypothesis
The expression levels of 17HSD types 1 and 2 might influence the response to endocrine treatment of breast cancer.
Conclusion
The expression of 17HSD types 1 and 2 has prognostic significance in breast cancer, particularly for ER-positive patients.
Supporting Evidence
- ER-positive patients with low 17HSD2/17HSD1 ratios showed a significantly higher rate of recurrence.
- High expression levels of 17HSD type 1 were associated with a significantly higher risk for late relapse.
- Patients with high ratios of 17HSD2/17HSD1 had better prognosis.
Takeaway
This study found that certain enzymes related to estrogen can help predict how well breast cancer patients will do after treatment.
Methodology
Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR was used to investigate the mRNA expression of 17HSD types 1 and 2 in tumor samples.
Limitations
The study is limited to postmenopausal patients and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer in southeast Sweden.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.0047, P=0.026, P=0.0051
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.29–1.06
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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