Outcome after extended follow-up in a prospective study of operable breast cancer: key factors and a prognostic index.
In 1990, 215 patients with operable breast cancer were entered into a prospective study of the prognostic significance of five biochemical markers and 15 other factors (pathological/chronological/patient). After a median follow-up of 6.6 years, there were 77 recurrences and 77 deaths (59 breast cancer-related). By univariate analysis, patient outcome related significantly to 13 factors. By multivariate analysis, the most important of nine independent factors were: number of nodes involved, steroid receptors (for oestrogen or progestogen), age, clinical or pathological tumour size and grade. Receptors and grade exerted their influence only in the first 3 years. Progestogen receptors (immunohistochemical) and oestrogen receptors (biochemical) were of similar prognostic significance. The two receptors were correlated (r=+0.50, P=0.001) and displaced each other from the analytical model but some evidence for the additivity of their prognostic values was seen when their levels were discordant.
Hawkins
R A
RA
University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, Edinburgh EH3 9YW, UK. richardhawkins5@btinternet.com
Tesdale
A L
AL
Prescott
R J
RJ
Forster
T
T
McIntyre
M A
MA
Baker
P
P
Jack
W J L
WJ
Chetty
U
U
Dixon
J M
JM
Killen
M E
ME
Hulme
M J
MJ
Miller
W R
WR
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone