Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): R. Dittadi, P.M. Donisi, A. Brazzale, L. Cappellozza, G. Bruscagnin, M. Gion
Primary Institution: Center for the Study of Biological Markers of Malignancy, Regional General Hospital, ULSS 16, Venice, Italy
Hypothesis
How does the concentration of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFr) compare between cancerous and non-malignant breast tissues?
Conclusion
Epidermal growth factor receptor concentrations are significantly higher in non-malignant breast tissue compared to cancerous tissue.
Supporting Evidence
- EGFr concentrations were significantly higher in non-malignant tissue than in cancer.
- In non-malignant tissue, EGFr showed a direct correlation with steroid receptors.
- In cancer tissue, an inverse correlation between EGFr and steroid receptors was found.
Takeaway
This study found that non-cancerous breast tissue has more epidermal growth factor receptors than cancerous tissue, which is surprising.
Methodology
Epidermal growth factor receptors were measured using a radioligand binding assay in membrane preparations from breast cancer and non-malignant tissues.
Limitations
The study may have limitations due to the small number of studies and lack of standardization in binding assays.
Participant Demographics
67 patients with primary breast carcinoma (median age: 60 years) and 25 samples from premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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