Proliferative markers as prognostic and predictive tools in early breast cancer: where are we now?
In the last few decades, proliferative markers have been broadly evaluated as prognostic and predictive factors for early stage breast cancer patients. Several papers evaluating one or more markers have been published, often with contradictory results. As a consequence, there is still uncertainty about the role of these proliferative markers. The present paper critically reviews the current knowledge about the following markers: thymidine labeling index, S phase fraction/flow cytometry, Ki 67, thymidine kinase (TK), cyclins E, cyclin D, the cyclin inhibitors p27 and p21, and topoisomerase IIalpha. For each marker, the prognostic and predictive role was separately analyzed. Only papers published in English in peer-reviewed journals before June 2004 that include at least 100 evaluable patients were selected. In addition, the prognostic and predictive role of the proliferative markers had to be assessed through multivariate analyses. One hundred and thirty-two papers fulfilled these criteria and 159 516 patients were analyzed. Unfortunately, several methodological problems in the research to date prevent us from including any one of these proliferative markers among the standard prognostic and predictive factors. Early incorporation of translational research and new technologies with clinical trials are needed to prospectively validate biological markers and allow their use in clinical practice.
Colozza
M
M
S. C. Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera, San Sisto 06132 Perugia, Italy.
Azambuja
E
E
Cardoso
F
F
Sotiriou
C
C
Larsimont
D
D
Piccart
M J
MJ
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D056741:Cyclin D; D019927:Cyclin E / Q000378:metabolism; D050760:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27 / Q000378:metabolism; D016213:Cyclins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis; D016196:S Phase
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C436291:CDKN1B protein, human; D056741:Cyclin D; D019927:Cyclin E; D016213:Cyclins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D050760:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27