Prognostic factors for patients with hepatic metastases from breast cancer
2003

Prognostic Factors for Patients with Liver Metastases from Breast Cancer

Sample size: 145 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wyld L, Gutteridge E, Pinder S E, James J J, Chan S Y, Cheung K L, Robertson J F R, Evans A J

Primary Institution: Nottingham City Hospital

Hypothesis

The study aims to identify factors that enable prediction of those patients unlikely to survive for prolonged periods.

Conclusion

Liver metastases from breast cancer have a poor prognosis, with a median survival of only 4.23 months.

Supporting Evidence

  • Liver metastases were found in 6–25% of patients with metastatic breast cancer.
  • Median survival from time of metastatic diagnosis was 4.23 months.
  • Patients with asymptomatic liver metastases may be treated with endocrine therapy.
  • Those with symptomatic metastases or ER negative tumors are treated with combination chemotherapy.
  • Only 3% of patients may survive for 5 years with current therapies.

Takeaway

This study looked at women with breast cancer that spread to the liver and found that many factors can help predict how long they might live.

Methodology

Patients presenting with liver metastases were studied over a 5-year period, with full staging and treatment response assessed.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in treatment selection based on patient fitness and age.

Limitations

The study may not generalize to all breast cancer patients due to its specific focus on liver metastases.

Participant Demographics

Median age of patients was 61 years, with a range from 24 to 92.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601038

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