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Lymph node ratio and breast cancer prognosis: a meta-analysis
Dechun Liu1, Yanbin Chen, Miao Deng
1Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road No. 24, Jianxi District, Luoyang City, 471003, Henan, People's Republic of China, liudechun2008@yeah.net.
Breast Cancer (Tokyo, Japan)
|October 9, 2013
Summary
This meta-analysis confirms lymph node ratio (LNR) predicts breast cancer survival outcomes. While optimal cutoff points vary, LNR is a valuable prognostic indicator, especially for node-positive cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Statistics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Lymph node examination in breast cancer staging is heterogeneous.
- Existing classifications of lymph node ratio (LNR) yield conflicting prognostic results.
- A unified evaluation of LNR's prognostic impact is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the prognostic effects of different lymph node ratio (LNR) classifications on breast cancer outcomes.
- To assess LNR's predictive value for overall survival, disease-free survival, and other key breast cancer metrics.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge for cohort studies.
- Inclusion of studies evaluating prognostic value of different LNRs in breast cancer.
- Meta-analysis performed using comprehensive meta-analysis software version 2.0 on data from 23 studies.
Main Results:
- Lymph node ratio (LNR) demonstrated significant prognostic value for breast cancer.
- LNR is particularly effective in predicting outcomes for clinically node-positive breast cancer patients.
- Cutoff values of 0.2 and 0.65 showed potential suitability for predicting overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCCS), and mortality.
Conclusions:
- The available evidence supports LNR as a reliable prognostic predictor in breast cancer.
- Further research is needed to establish the most reliable LNR cutoff points.
- Specific LNR thresholds (0.2 and 0.65) may be useful for predicting survival and mortality in breast cancer patients.
