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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
[Association between the survival time and high-expression of EGFR and HER-2 in breast cancer]
Jun-yi Zhang1, Guo-feng Mai, Hang Zheng
1Oncology Center, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. zhangjunyi@csco.org.cn
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between the survival time and the high-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer patients, and assess the feasibility of using the two markers either alone or in combination for predicting the prognosis of the patients.
Methods:
Breast cancer samples were obtained from 185 patients and measured for the expressions of EGFR and HER-2 by way of immunohistochemistry, and 120 patients (64.9%) were followed up and their survival time recorded. Sixty-five patients (35.1%) failed to be followed for various reasons.
Results:
Of the 120 patients followed up, death occurred in 28 (15%). Positive HER2 expression was detected in 57.8% and EGFR expression in 40.5% of the all the samples examined. The over-expression of either HER2 or EGFR was in inverse correlation with the survival time (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), and the over-expression of both related to the survival time in similar manner (P<0.05 and P<0.01).
Conclusion:
The high expression of HER2 or/and EGFR suggests a short survival time and an unfavorable prognosis.
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