Hormone Receptors in Breast Cancer Prognosis - Racial and Quantitative Effects
Abstract
The study purpose was to develop an understanding of race/ethnic disparities in breast cancer survival, with an emphasis on hormone receptor differences. A cohort of 924 breast cancer patients was followed (median 10.0 years). Clinicopathologic and survival data were abstracted from medical records and our institutional and SEER Tumor Registries. Detailed comorbidity data was gathered. Breast cancer estrogen receptor (ER) status measured in the continuous scale did not carry more predictive information than ER status dichotomized at 10 femtomoles/mg (standard) in predicting cancer progression/recurrence and survival. The association between ER and progression/recurrence and survival did not differ between Black and Whites. Comorbidity was an important determinant of survival. Adverse comorbidities occur significantly more in Blacks compared to Whites and explained important amounts of survival disparity. Adverse presenting symptoms were an important independent predictor of reduced survival. Black patients tended to have more adverse symptoms, and they explained a small amount of survival disparity. The findings indicate that Current dichotomous methods of evaluating ER are appropriate. Comorbidity/symptoms data might be useful in identifying susceptible patients requiring increased monitoring, more aggressive treatment and management of comorbidities. This is expected to lead to improved survival in general and the reduction of disparity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA431789
Entities
People
- Carl M. Tammemagi
Organizations
- Henry Ford Health