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Annals of Surgical Oncology

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01-07-2008 | Breast Oncology

Poor Hormone Receptor Expression in East African Breast Cancer: Evidence of a Biologically Different Disease?

Authors: P. A. Bird, MBBS, FRACS, A. G. Hill, MD, FRACS, N. Houssami, FAFPHM, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 7/2008

Abstract

Background

Few studies have examined breast cancer hormone receptor expression in Africans. We report on the hormone receptor profile of breast cancer in East Africans in the largest prospective study for this region.

Methods

Consecutive breast cancer presentations to a hospital in Kijabe (2001–2007) were included. Demographic, clinical, and test data were collected. ER/PR and Her2 testing was based on immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

There were 129 subjects (median 47 years), most had invasive ductal cancer and locally advanced disease and/or metastases. ER/PR testing was done in 120: 24% had ER-positive tumours, 34% were ER- and/or PR-positive, 10% were ER-negative but PR-positive tumours, and 66% were negative for ER and PR. ER/PR positivity was not associated with stage (P = 0.28) and was not related to age, parity, menopausal status, or node metastases. Increasing tumour grade was associated with PR expression (P = 0.02) with decreasing frequency of PR positive tumours as histological grade increased; there was weak evidence of an association between grade and ER expression (P = 0.06). Of cases tested, 26.5% overexpressed Her2.

Conclusions

Breast cancer in Kijabe is an advanced-stage disease, comprised mainly of poorly differentiated cancers that are less likely to be hormone sensitive (across all stages of disease). ER/PR testing of all those affected by breast cancer should be supported as a global priority in cancer control. International and inter-African research collaborations are needed to allow genetic detailing of tumours in indigenous Africans to assess possible racial heterogeneity in the biology of breast cancer.

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Title: Poor Hormone Receptor Expression in East African Breast Cancer: Evidence of a Biologically Different Disease?
Authors: P. A. Bird, MBBS, FRACS
A. G. Hill, MD, FRACS
N. Houssami, FAFPHM, PhD
Publication date: 01-07-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-008-9900-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Poor Hormone Receptor Expression in East African Breast Cancer: Evidence of a Biologically Different Disease?

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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