Researchers' Work From Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department Of Surgery Focuses On Breast Cancer Therapy

NewsRx.com

October 8, 2009

Data detailed in 'Presenting features of breast cancer differ by molecular subtype' have been presented. According to recent research from the United States, "Gene expression profiling of breast cancers identifies distinct molecular subtypes that affect prognosis. Our goal was to determine whether presenting features of tumors differ among molecular subtypes."

"Subtypes were classified by immunohistochemical surrogates as luminal A (estrogen receptor [ER] and/or progesterone receptor [PR] positive, HER-2-), luminal B (ER and/or PR+, HER-2+), HER-2 (ER and PR-, HER-2+), or basal (ER, PR, HER-2-). Data were obtained from an established, registered database of patients with invasive breast cancer treated at our institution between January 1998 and June 2007. A total of 6,072 tumors were classifiable into molecular subtypes. The chi(2) test, analysis of variance, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine associations between subtype and clinicopathologic variables. The distribution of subtypes was luminal A, 71%; luminal B, 8%; HER-2, 6%; and basal, 15%. Marked differences in age, tumor size, extent of lymph node involvement, nuclear grade, multicentric/multifocal disease, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and extensive intraductal component were observed among subtypes. When compared with luminal A tumors, those overexpressing HER-2 (luminal B, HER-2) were significantly more likely to manifest nodal involvement, multifocal, extensive intraductal component, and LVI (p Breast Cancer Therapy).

The researchers concluded: "Neoadjuvant therapy and lymph nodes evaluation before surgery or neoadjuvant therapy are likely to be beneficial in HER-2-overexpressing tumors."

Wiechmann and colleagues published their study in Annals of Surgical Oncology (Presenting features of breast cancer differ by molecular subtype. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 2009;16(10):2705-10).

For additional information, contact L. Wiechmann, Breast Service, Dept. of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY USA..

Publisher contact information for the journal Annals of Surgical Oncology is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

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