Randomized trial investigates factors affecting early and late relapses in breast cancer, suggesting improved risk stratification.
Key Points
To investigate clinical and pathological features related to early versus late relapses in operable breast cancer patients.
Analyzed data from El Álamo IV registry focusing on stage I–III breast cancer patients.
Performed logistic regression to identify factors related to early and late relapses.
Used multivariate Cox regression models to explore timing and hazard rates of relapses.
Early, intermediate, and late relapses were 28.3%, 29.7%, and 42.1% of all relapses, respectively.
Factors associated with increased early relapse risk included age > 70 years (OR 5.13, 95% CI 3.23–8.15) and HR − /HER2 − subtype (OR 10.26, 95% CI 6.55–16.05).
Annual hazard rates of loco-regional and distant relapses varied based on tumor subtypes, with significant implications for patient management.