Open Access

ARTICLE

Comparison of Time-Varying Pattern of Recurrence in Chinese Breast Cancer Patients with Different Molecular Subtypes: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Xujie Zhou^1,2,3,#, Yuting Sang^1,3,#, Jiajian Chen^1,3, Miao Mo^3,4, Jianjing Hou^1,3, Benlong Yang^1,3,*, Jiong Wu^1,2,3,*

1 Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
2 Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
3 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
4 Department of Cancer Prevention, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China

* Corresponding Authors: Benlong Yang. Email: ; Jiong Wu. Email:
# These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship

Oncologie 2022, 24(3), 451-469. https://doi.org/10.32604/oncologie.2022.025226

Received 29 June 2022; Accepted 12 August 2022; Issue published 19 September 2022

Abstract

Background: To compare the time-varying recurrence patterns of different molecular subtypes of breast cancer in the contemporary era with those in the past era. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 14627 consecutive invasive breast cancer patients who underwent surgery from 2008 to 2016 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. We defined the period from 2013 to 2016 as the contemporary era and that from 2008 to 2012 as the past era. Five subtypes were defined according to the immunohistochemistry results. Emphasis was made on the changing patterns of recurrence for patients with different molecular subtypes changed between the two treatment eras. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated, and the hazard function was used to estimate the annual recurrence hazard. Results: By the end of follow-up (median, 68.1 months), 1429 patients (9.77%) experienced recurrence and metastasis. The annual recurrence risks of the entire population and each molecular type in 2013–2016 were reduced compared with those in 2008–2012. Luminal A and triple-negative patients in 2013–2016 showed a significantly lower recurrence hazard curve than those in 2008–2012. The recurrence hazard curve of luminal B (HER2−) and HER2+ subtypes was lower in 2013–2016 than in 2008–2012. The recurrence risk of the luminal B (HER2+) subtype was reduced substantially during 2013–2016, showing a delay of two years. Conclusions: With early detection of disease recurrence and improved treatment strategies, the recurrence patterns of different molecular subtypes of breast cancer have changed. The time-varying recurrence patterns observed during the contemporary era are significant for treatment decision-making and clinical trial planning.

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Keywords

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