Prognostic Significance of c-erbB-2 in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): J. Winstanley, T. Cooke, G.D. Murray, A. Platt-Higgins, W.D. George, S. Holt, M. Myskov, A. Spedding, B.R. Barraclough, P.S. Rudland
Primary Institution: University Departments of Surgery, Liverpool; Glasgow; Department of Biochemistry at Liverpool; Department of Pathology, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Hypothesis
Does the expression of the c-erbB-2 oncogene affect survival in breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
The presence of c-erbB-2 is associated with significantly poorer survival in breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 22% of patients exhibited positive c-erbB-2 staining.
- Patients with c-erbB-2 positive tumors had significantly worse survival.
- Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between c-erbB-2 expression and survival.
- Other studies have shown conflicting results regarding c-erbB-2's prognostic significance.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called c-erbB-2 in breast cancer can mean that patients might not live as long.
Methodology
The study evaluated c-erbB-2 expression using immunohistochemical techniques on tissue samples from breast cancer patients.
Potential Biases
Some studies have conflicting results regarding c-erbB-2's significance, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study's findings may be influenced by the variable number of patients in other studies and the short follow-up time in some cases.
Participant Demographics
Patients were unselected individuals with operable Stage I and II breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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