Molecular characteristics of screen-detected vs symptomatic breast cancers and their impact on survival.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several recent studies have shown that screen detection remains an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for disease stage at presentation. This study compares the molecular characteristics of screen-detected with symptomatic breast cancers to identify if differences in tumour biology may explain some of the survival benefit conferred by screen detection.

Methods

A total of 1379 women (aged 50-70 years) with invasive breast cancer from a large population-based case-control study were included in the analysis. Individual patient data included tumour size, grade, lymph node status, adjuvant therapy, mammographic screening status and mortality. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tumour samples using 11 primary antibodies to define five molecular subtypes.

SUBMITTER: Dawson SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2768460 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature