To investigate the predictive efficacy of Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) levels on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer.
Approach:
Study Design: 720 breast cancer patients receiving NAC were selected and divided into responder and non-responder groups based on efficacy assessment.
Data Collection: Clinical data and expression levels of Ki-67, ER, and PR in cancer tissues were collected and analyzed.
Statistical Analysis: Logistic analysis and ROC curves were used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of Ki-67, ER, and PR levels.
Key Findings:
Significant differences in clinical stage and molecular subtype between responder and non-responder groups (p < 0.05).
Ki-67, ER, and PR expression levels differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05).
Clinical stage (III), ER positivity, and PR positivity were independent risk factors for NAC ineffectiveness (p < 0.05).
High Ki-67 expression was an independent predictor of favorable response to NAC (p < 0.05).
The combined Ki-67+ER+PR model showed an AUC of 0.853 (95% CI 0.817–0.884), outperforming individual markers (Ki-67 AUC 0.786, ER AUC 0.652, PR AUC 0.638).
Interpretation:
The levels of Ki-67, ER, and PR before NAC treatment in breast cancer patients were associated with NAC efficacy.
Limitations:
The study requires further validation before the combined Ki-67+ER+PR model can be used as a stand-alone clinical decision-making tool.
Conclusion:
The combined detection of Ki-67, ER, and PR levels provides better discrimination in predicting NAC effectiveness than individual markers.
