Prognostic Breast Cancer Signature Identified from 3D Culture Model Accurately Predicts Clinical Outcome across Independent Datasets
2008

3D Culture Model Predicts Breast Cancer Outcomes

Sample size: 699 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Martin Katherine J., Patrick Denis R., Bissell Mina J., Fournier Marcia V.

Primary Institution: GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Hypothesis

The ability of a gene signature to demonstrate predictive power across different independent datasets supports the conclusion that it is composed of key, biologically relevant genes.

Conclusion

The 3D-signature accurately predicts breast cancer outcome across multiple datasets and holds prognostic value for both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • The 3D-signature was validated across three independent datasets.
  • At 10 years, the probability of positive outcome was significantly higher in the good-prognosis group compared to the poor-prognosis group.
  • The 3D-signature was a strong independent factor in predicting breast cancer outcome.

Takeaway

Scientists found a special set of genes that can help predict how well breast cancer patients will do, using a lab model that mimics real breast tissue.

Methodology

The study used a 3D culture model of non-malignant human mammary epithelial cells to identify a gene signature that predicts breast cancer prognosis across three independent datasets.

Limitations

The smaller dataset of Sorlie may have had insufficient numbers of patients to achieve a significant result for the 3D signature in the multivariable analysis.

Participant Demographics

The study included breast cancer patients from three independent datasets with varying ER status.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 3.0 to 12.2

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002994

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