Significance of oestrogen and progesterone receptors, disease-free interval and site of first metastasis on survival of breast cancer patients
1985

Response to Dr. Williams on Breast Cancer Receptor Status

Commentary

Author Information

Author(s): A. Alanko, E. Heinonen, T.M. Scheinin, E.-M. Tolppanen, R. Vihko

Primary Institution: Helsinki University Central Hospital

Hypothesis

The study investigates the association between receptor status and disease-free interval in breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

The authors found no significant difference in disease-free interval between patients with oestrogen receptor positive and negative tumours.

Supporting Evidence

  • The authors observed that adjuvant treatment may introduce errors in evaluating receptor status and disease-free interval.
  • The findings of Blamey et al. (1980) differ from the current study regarding prognosis based on receptor status.
  • Overall, patients with oestrogen receptor positive tumours do not fare better than those with receptor negative tumours.

Takeaway

The study suggests that having certain hormone receptors in breast cancer doesn't necessarily mean patients will do better.

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