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

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Summary

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 50fmol/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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Experimental and Chemical Endocrinology, University Hospital Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    P. G. Koenders, C. B. M. Kienhuis & Th. J. Benraad

  2. Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    P. G. Koenders, L. V. A. M. Beex & P. W. C. Kloppenborg

Authors
  1. P. G. Koenders
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  2. L. V. A. M. Beex
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  3. C. B. M. Kienhuis
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  4. P. W. C. Kloppenborg
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  5. Th. J. Benraad
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Koenders, P.G., Beex, L.V.A.M., Kienhuis, C.B.M. et al. Epidermal growth factor receptor and prognosis in human breast cancer: a prospective study. Breast Cancer Res Tr 25, 21–27 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00662397

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