PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE OF PS2 MESSENGER-RNA IN BREAST-CANCER

The oestrogen-inducible pS2 protein has previously been associated wit h good prognosis for breast cancer patients. In 1987-1988 a series of 145 primary breast cancers were examined for pS2 mRNA using northern b lots. On recent examination of mortality data, we were unable to find any association between tumour pS2 positivity and patient survival. On e patient in 6 died within 5 years of surgery, regardless of pS2 statu s. In the oestrogen receptor positive/progesterone receptor positive t umour subgroup of patients, we found no evidence of increased survival for pS2-positive tumours. These results do not support use of pS2 as an indicator of increased survival in an average breast cancer patient population.