Prognostic significance of serum IgE levels in primary breast cancer

Dennis R. Ownby, Helen E. Ownby, Larry D. Roi, Laura M. Howard, Gloria H. Heppner, Michael J. Brennan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Serum IgE was measured in presurgical sera from 166 nonallergic women admitted to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary study of primary, operable breast cancer. During the follow-up period, which averaged 48 months, there were 71 recurrences. Patients were divided into two groups: those with IgE levels greater than the geometric mean value of 24 I.U. and those with levels less than the mean. The rate of tumor recurrence was significantly greater for the IgE > 24 group (p<0.03). IgE remained a significant prognostic indicator when evaluated by Cox regression analysis in conjunction with other known prognostic factors including: number of positive lymph nodes, clinical stage, menopausal status, estrogen receptor status, mitotic grade, tumor diameter, breast feeding history, and age of patient (p<0.015). IgE was not correlated with any of these known prognostic factors in individual analyses. We conclude that serum IgE level is a significant, independent prognostic indicator in primary breast cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)221-226
Number of pages6
JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1982
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • IgE
  • breast cancer
  • prognosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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