Breast Cancer Prognosis and Plasminogen Activator Activity
Author Information
Author(s): J. Yamashita, M. Ogawa, K. Inada, S. Yamashita, Y. Nakashima, T. Saishoji, K. Nomura
Primary Institution: Kumamoto University Medical School
Hypothesis
Is low total plasminogen activator activity associated with poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Breast cancer patients with low total plasminogen activator activity have significantly shorter disease-free and overall survival rates compared to those with higher activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with low total PA activity had a significantly shorter disease-free survival.
- Total PA activity was found to be a significant prognostic factor for survival.
- High PA activity was associated with positive estrogen and progesterone receptor status.
Takeaway
If a breast cancer patient has low levels of a certain protein, they might not live as long as those with higher levels of that protein.
Methodology
The study analyzed tumor extracts from 235 breast cancer patients to measure total plasminogen activator activity and its association with survival rates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and the reliance on medical records.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may be influenced by confounding factors such as treatment variations.
Participant Demographics
Patients underwent curative mastectomy between 1981 and 1984, with a median follow-up of 8.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005 for disease-free survival, 0.018 for overall survival
Confidence Interval
95% confidence intervals for relative risks provided in the study
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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