c-kit Expression in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Tsutsui S, Yasuda K, Suzuki K, Takeuchi H, Nishizaki T, Higashi H, Era S
Primary Institution: Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the relationship between c-kit expression and clinicopathological factors in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.
Conclusion
A loss of c-kit expression is associated with lymph node metastases and indicates a poor prognosis in breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- c-kit expression was positive in 27% of tumors and negative in 73%.
- There was a significant correlation between negative c-kit expression and lymph node metastasis.
- Patients with negative c-kit expression had worse disease-free survival compared to those with positive expression.
Takeaway
This study found that most breast cancer patients have low levels of a protein called c-kit, which is linked to worse outcomes.
Methodology
Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate c-kit expression in breast cancer tissues.
Limitations
The study only included invasive ductal carcinoma and did not assess other types of breast cancer.
Participant Demographics
The study included 217 women aged 23 to 86 years, with a mean age of 57.0 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI not provided
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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