HER-2, P53 and hormonal receptors protein expression as predictive factors in breast cancer prognosis

Objective

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with variable biological and clinical characteristics. We conducted a study to evaluate P53, HER-2/neu and hormonal receptor expression as predictors of prognosis in breast cancer.

Methods

In a prospective study, we recruited 81 consecutive patients with primary operable breast cancer who were treated with mastectomy followed by locoregional radiotherapy or chemotherapy and studied the presence of P53, HER-2/neu and hormonal receptors (ER/PR) expression in tumor tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Associations between these markers expression and clinical outcomes, including local and regional recurrence and metastasis were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS so ware.

Results

The mean time of follow-up was (47.3 ± 4.6) months. Expression of P53, HER-2/neu, Estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors were observed in 31.1%, 38.5%, 31.8% and 51.7% of the patients, respectively. P53, HER-2/neu and Negative ER status were potent predictors of local-regional recurrence (P = 0.034, 0.038, 0.044, respectively). Also HER-2/neu, Negative ER and Negative PR status were strong predictors of metastasis (P = 0.001, 0.042, 0.054, respectively).

Conclusion

P53 and HER-2/neu expression and also steroid receptors status (ER/PR status) have an important role in predicting the outcome of breast cancer and thus may be of value in selecting suitable therapeutic strategy and determining prognosis in these patients.