J. Eglītis
Latvijas Universitate, Latvia
Title: The impact of axillary lymph node evaluation on the prognosis of breast cancer patients
Biography
Biography: J. Eglītis
Abstract
Introduction & Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women and also the most common cause of cancer related death in women worldwide, including Latvia. During the period from 2009 until 2016, the mortality rates in Latvia have increased from 20,7 to 23,3 per 100,000 inhabitants. Metastatic axillary lymph nodes are one of the important factors predicting prognosis of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the N ratio on patient survival.
Method: The study included 100 patients that had underwent mastectomy or breast conserving surgery with lymphadenectomy in the Oncology Centre of Latvia, from January-2010 until December-2011 with a diagnosis of breast cancer with positive axillary lymph nodes. Patients were divided into two groups according to the N ratio: N ratio 0,2 or ≥0,2.
Results: Comparing the five years overall survival a statistically significant difference between groups was found (p=0,033). In the group where the N ratio was <0,2, 5-year overall survival rate was 85%, as opposed to 64% in the group where the N ratio was ≥0,2. When comparing the 5-year relapse free period, a statistically significant difference between the two groups was also found (p=0,039), showing a relapse-free 5-year period in 83% of the patients in the group with N ratio <0,2 and 64% of the patients with N ratio ≥0,2.
Conclusion: Patients with lower N ratio have a greater overall survival and relapse free period compared to patients with higher N ratio. Therefore, N ratio is a significant factor influencing the survival prognosis of breast cancer patients.