Topoisomerase II alpha gene copy loss has adverse prognostic significance in ERBB2-amplified breast cancer: a retrospective study of paraffin-embedded tumor specimens and medical charts
2008

Impact of TOP2A Deletion on Breast Cancer Prognosis

Sample size: 63 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Usha Lydia, Tabesh Bita, Morrison Larry E, Rao Ruta D, Jacobson Kris, Zhu April, Basu Sanjib, Coon John S

Primary Institution: Rush University

Hypothesis

The study investigates the prognostic significance of TOP2A gene copy loss in ERBB2-amplified breast cancer.

Conclusion

TOP2A deletion is associated with poor prognosis in ERBB2-amplified breast carcinomas.

Supporting Evidence

  • 67% of cases with TOP2A deletion had recurrence, compared to 12% in other classes.
  • TOP2A deletion was significantly associated with time to recurrence.
  • TOP2A deletion had a strong association with unfavorable clinical outcomes.

Takeaway

If a specific gene called TOP2A is missing in breast cancer patients, it can mean their cancer is more likely to come back.

Methodology

The study analyzed archival tissue samples from 63 breast cancer patients with ERBB2 amplification using FISH probes.

Potential Biases

The small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Limitations

The study is based on a small number of highly selected patients with relatively short follow-up.

Participant Demographics

Patients with ERBB2-amplified breast cancer treated at Rush University Medical Center.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.004

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-8722-1-12

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