ISSN:
1573-7217
Keywords:
breast cancer
;
c-erbB-2
;
chemotherapy
;
oncogene
;
prognosis
;
survival
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract This retrospective case control study investigated the therametricvalue of the circulating c-erbB-2 gene product (Her-2,NEU) as (1) an eligibility criterion for highdoses of chemotherapy and (2) response to standardadjuvant chemotherapy in node-positive breast cancer patients. Preoperativec-erbB-2 levels were measured in 211 locally advanced(〉 3 nodes positive), pre- and perimenopausal breastcancer patients to determine if circulating levels ofthe gene product can assist in the determinationof appropriate therapeutic options.152 of 211 breast cancer patients received post-operativelya combination chemotherapy including the anthracycline analog mitoxantrone,while 59 patients were treated with conventional CMFtherapy. Using 120 fmol/ml as a cut-off level,elevated c-erbB-2 values were found in 26 (12.3%)patients with locally advanced breast cancer. In univariateanalysis significant survival differences were detected when c-erbB-2‘positive’ patients were compared with c-erbB-2 ‘negative’ patients.However, no significant survival differences were detected, whenc-erbB-2 ‘positive’ patients were compared according to regimenof adjuvant treatment.In multivariate analysis c-erbB-2 was an independent prognosticfactor for predicting disease-free survival, but not foroverall survival. High levels of c-erbB-2 were associatedwith low estrogen and progesterone receptor concentrations ofthe tumor cytosol. There was no correlation betweenelevated c-erbB-2 values and age, tumor size ordegree of nodal involvement. c-erbB-2 was a betterpredictor of risk of recurrence than extent ofnodal involvement or hormone receptor status.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005700812422
