Prognostic Significance of c-erbB-2 in Node Negative Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): S. Bianchi, M. Paglieranil, G. Zampil, G. Cardona, L. Cataliotti, R. Bonardi, S. Ciatto
Primary Institution: University Institutes of Florence
Hypothesis
What is the prognostic value of c-erbB-2 oncogene expression in node negative breast cancer?
Conclusion
C-erbB-2 expression has very limited prognostic value in node negative breast cancer and cannot predict the clinical course of these patients.
Supporting Evidence
- C-erbB-2 expression was observed in 20.9% of cases.
- Strong diffuse positivity was recorded in only 8.7% of cases.
- No significant association was observed between c-erbB-2 grade and age, T category, or nuclear grade.
- Statistical significance was observed for T category in relation to survival.
- Multivariate analysis showed no independent association for c-erbB-2 grade with survival.
Takeaway
This study looked at a type of breast cancer and found that a specific protein, c-erbB-2, doesn't really help doctors predict how the cancer will behave.
Methodology
The study analyzed 230 cases of node-negative breast cancer using immunohistochemical methods to assess c-erbB-2 expression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of events and reliance on subjective assessment of staining.
Limitations
The study's findings may be affected by the limited number of events and the subjective assessment of staining.
Participant Demographics
Patients with node-negative infiltrating breast cancer, diagnosed between November 1978 and December 1984.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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