C-ERBB-2, EGF RECEPTOR P53 AND PCNA - THE PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE OF NEW FACTORS FOR THE LYMPH NODE-NEGATIVE CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST

In 216 breast cancer patients, the prognostic value of current biologi cal factors (c-erbB-2, EGF-receptor, p53, PCNA-proliferative fraction) was compared with that of conventionally histomorphologic features (h istologic type, histologic grade, tumour size, hormonal receptor statu s), After a 66 (6-109) months' median follow-up survival was significa ntly correlated with histological grade (p = 0.014) and PCNA-prolivera tive activity (p = 0.015). The prognostic influence of oestrogen recep tor (ER)- and progesteron receptor (PR-)status achieved borderline sig nificance (ER/p = 0.07; PR/p = 0.05). Neither c-erbB-2, EGF-R, p53 nor any of the other factors showed any correlation to survival. In the m ultivariate analysis, histological grade was revealed as the only inde pendent prognostic factor. The prognostic value of PCNA was second to histological grade and if grade was excluded from the analysis, PCNA-e xpression became the only independent factor. Thus, in individual case s the PCNA-proliferative fraction could help the clinician to decide o n the therapy.