Epidermal growth factor receptor and prognosis in human breast cancer: a prospective study

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 1993;25(1):21-7. doi: 10.1007/BF00662397.

Abstract

The prognostic value of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in human breast cancer is a matter of debate. We conducted a prospective study that included 459 unselected patients with primary breast cancer (median follow-up 24 months) to assess the prognostic value of EGFR. EGFR was assessed using a standardized radioligand binding assay. Univariate analysis showed that EGFR is a factor indicative of a poor prognosis with respect to Disease Free Survival (DFS, P = 0.03) and Overall Survival (OS, P = 0.002), if an EGFR level of 50 fmol/mg of membrane protein is introduced as a cut-off for EGFR-positivity. Multivariate analysis showed that EGFR was not an independent factor. This prospective study shows that EGFR, although not an independent factor, is indicative of poor prognosis in human breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • ErbB Receptors / analysis*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radioligand Assay

Substances

  • ErbB Receptors