Prognostic Factors in Operable Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Hawkins R A, Tesdale A L, Prescott R J, Forster T, McIntyre M A, Baker P, Jack W J L, Chetty U, Dixon J M, Killen M E, Hulme M J, Miller W R
Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, Edinburgh
Hypothesis
What are the key prognostic factors influencing outcomes in operable breast cancer over an extended follow-up period?
Conclusion
The study found that the number of positive nodes, age, tumor size, steroid receptor activity, and tumor grade significantly influence prognosis in operable breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 77 recurrences and 77 deaths were recorded during the follow-up period.
- The most significant factors influencing patient outcomes were the number of positive nodes, steroid receptors, tumor size, and age.
- The study established a prognostic index that combines these key factors for better prediction of outcomes.
Takeaway
Doctors can better predict how well a patient with breast cancer will do by looking at things like how many lymph nodes are affected and the patient's age.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 214 women with operable breast cancer, focusing on various clinical, pathological, and biochemical factors over a median follow-up of 6.6 years.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the exclusion of patients who did not meet the study criteria or from variations in treatment received.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent all patients with breast cancer as it included only those with sufficient tumor tissue for analysis.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 55 years, and all were women with operable breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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