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Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition).
Vol 25, No 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: 21072
© 2007 American Society of Clinical Oncology
The prognostic value of nodal ratios in node-positive breast cancer: AUBMC experience
A. Shamseddine,
H. Hatoum,
Z. Salem,
Z. Abdel Khalek,
N. El Saghir and
A. Taher
American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
21072
Background: Axillary lymph node metastasis has proven to be the most important factor affecting overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) in patients with breast cancer. Recent evidence suggests that axillary lymph node ratio (LNR) may be at least as important as absolute number of involved lymph nodes in predicting OS and DFS. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the impact of axillary nodal ratios in node-positive breast cancer as a prognostic factor for survival. Methods: Data from 1181 patients with stage I, II and III breast cancer diagnosed at AUBMC between 1990 and 2001 were studied. The median age at diagnosis was 50 years (23 - 88); the median number of lymph nodes dissected was 17 (0 - 49). Survival was compared in 737 patients with node-positive disease according to a LNR below or more than 0.25 (defined as number of involved lymph nodes divided by total dissected axillary lymph nodes). Results: Patients with LNR = 0.25 had a median follow-up of 30 months (1.2–156) and a median DFS of 26 months (1–156). The 5-year survival was 26.2% (94/358) and the 5-year DFS was 22.9% (82/358). Patients with LNR <0.25 had a median follow-up of 36 months (1.2–157) and a median DFS of 36 months (1–157). The 5-year survival of 33.2% (245/737) and the 5-year DFS was 29.8 % (220/737). LNR showed significance as a continuous variable and a categorical variable (0, < 0.25, and = 0.25) with a p < 0.001 Conclusions: LNR significantly predicts OS and DFS in node-positive primary breast cancer.
No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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