The prognostic significance of the S-phase fraction and DNCA ploidy in node-negative estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the significance of the phase fraction S-phase fraction (SPF) and DNA ploidy as determined by DNA flow cytometry on the prognosis of patients with Stage 1 (TINOMO) and stage II A (T2NOMO) breast cancer who had estrogen receptor-positive tumors. A total of 45 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma were studied. The median follow-up was 3.8 years. The prognostic cut-off for the SPF of the 45 patients was 34% as determined by log rank test and this was used to classify patients into low (34%) and high (34%) SPF groups. 30 patients (67%) had low SPF. 36 (80%) of the tumors examined were diploid. Using the cut-off, the SPF had no prognostic value in Stage 1 breast cancer patients. There was significantly longer disease-free survival and overall survival in Stage II A patients with low SPF compared to Stage II A patients with high SPF (96% vs. 50% at 4 years, p = 0.02, and 100% vs. 62% at 4 years, p = 0.03, respectively). No significant prognostic value was noted with the DNA ploidy status in both groups of patients.