c-erbB-2 Protein and Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): C. Wright, S. Nicholson, B. Angus, J.R.C. Sainsbury, J. Farndon, J. Cairns, A.L. Harris, C.H.W. Horne
Primary Institution: University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Hypothesis
Does c-erbB-2 protein overexpression affect the response to endocrine therapy in advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
c-erbB-2 protein overexpression is associated with a lack of response to endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 7% of c-erbB-2 positive tumors responded to endocrine therapy compared to 37% of c-erbB-2 negative tumors.
- Coexpression of c-erbB-2 reduced the response rate of ER positive patients from 48% to 20%.
- None of the patients with both c-erbB-2 positive and EGFR positive tumors benefited from endocrine therapy.
Takeaway
This study found that patients with high levels of a certain protein (c-erbB-2) are less likely to respond to hormone treatments for breast cancer.
Methodology
Immunohistochemical assessment of c-erbB-2 protein expression was performed on tumor tissue from patients who received endocrine therapy.
Limitations
The study only included patients with known ER and EGFR status, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 56 years, with a range from 32 to 77 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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