No abstract

This is the first report to show that overexpression of breast cancer-associated genes in breast cancer subjects with pathology-negative ALN correlates with traditional indicators of disease prognosis. These interim results provide strong evidence that molecular markers could serve as valid surrogates for the detection of occult micrometastases in ALN. Correlation of real-time RT-PCR analyses with disease-free survival in this patient cohort will help to define the clinical relevance of micrometastatic disease in this patient population.

These data suggest a defective DC function in patients with operable breast cancer. Switched-off DCs in patients with early breast cancer and decreased IL-12 production may be important factors for progressive tumour growth.