Biomarker May Forecast Probability Of Recurrence In Breast Cancer
The presence of Ki67 indicates tumor cell growth, and researchers have used Ki67 measurements as a marker of whether experimental cancer treatments effectively stop cancer growth. To determine whether this marker also indicates a clinical benefit, such as improved recurrence-free survival, Mitch Dowsett, Ph.D., of The Royal Marsden Hospital, in London, and colleagues studied Ki67 levels in tumor biopsy samples taken before and after 2 weeks of presurgical treatment with anastrozole, tamoxifen, or both drugs from 158 women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
The researchers found that higher Ki67 expression after 2 weeks of presurgical therapy was associated with worse recurrence-free survival. There was no association between the Ki67 level before therapy and recurrence-free survival. They also found that larger tumor size before therapy and lower estrogen receptor level after 2 weeks of treatment were associated with worse recurrence-free survival.
"Measurements of tumor Ki67 expression after short-term endocrine treatment may improve the prediction of recurrence-free survival for breast cancer patients," the authors conclude. They add that larger studies are needed to confirm the results before such testing is made widely available to patients.
Contact: Catherine O'Mara, Press & PR Officer, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
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Article adapted by Start Sanatate from original press release.
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Other highlights in the Jan. 17 JNCI
Note: The Journal of the National Cancer Institute is published by Oxford University Press and is not affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. Attribution to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute is requested in all news coverage. Visit the Journal online at http://jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org/.
Contact: Andrea Widener
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Biomarker de mai estimativ de probabilitate de recurenþã în cancerul de sân - Biomarker May Forecast Probability Of Recurrence In Breast Cancer - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate