EGFr Status and Endocrine Therapy in Elderly Breast Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): S. Nicholson, P. Halcrow, J.R.C. Sainsbury, B. Angus, P. Chambers, J.R. Farndon, A.L. Harris
Primary Institution: University Departments of Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Oncology, Newcastle upon Tyne
Hypothesis
Is EGFr status associated with the failure of primary endocrine therapy in elderly postmenopausal patients with breast cancer?
Conclusion
EGFr status is a marker for rapid early progression on primary endocrine therapy in elderly breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of patients in the endocrine failure group were EGFr+.
- 9 out of 11 tumours progressing on primary endocrine therapy within six months were EGFr+.
- EGFr status was significantly associated with recurrence after salvage surgery.
Takeaway
This study looked at older women with breast cancer and found that those with a certain protein (EGFr) were more likely to have their treatment not work.
Methodology
Patients received primary endocrine therapy with either tamoxifen or aminoglutethimide, and their responses were assessed at three-month intervals.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate EGFr status before therapy, and the sample size was limited to elderly women.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 77 years, all patients were over 15 years postmenopausal.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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