Purpose: To determine the prognostic value of c-erbB-2, p53, hormone receptors and angiogenesis, on recurrence free time and its relationship to treatment in breast cancer patients.
Methods: Women with histologic diagnosis of breast cancer and immunohistochemical determination of biologic factors. Clinic, histologic, molecular factors and recurrence free time were registered.
Results: 101 patients, ages 51.98 +/- 11.5 years. Follow-up 32.52 +/- 24.3 months. Tumor recurred in 31, (30.69%); 15 (48.33%) had tumor size above 2.1 cm, 19 (61.29%) showed positive estrogen receptors and 18 (58.07%) for progesterone; 20 (64.51%) to c-erbB-2 expression (64.51%); 18 to p53; average microvessels 24.48 +/- 17.27. Tumor size related to recurrence, p = 0.008. Kruskal-Wallis test did not show a difference when correlating survival free time and biologic factors. 24 pts. (77.41%) received hormones; 20 (64.5%) chemotherapy (61.29%); 19 (61.29%) radiotherapy. Response prediction to hormones with estrogen receptor positive, p = 0.059; to chemotherapy in angiogenesis under 40 vessels/field-0.024.
Conclusions: Tumor size has prognostic implications. A clear positive tendency was observed with p53 and higher microvessel density. Estrogen receptors offer predictive response value to hormone treatment and lower vascular density to chemotherapy, treatment indicators of possible therapeutic association.