An evaluation of DNA polymerase α as a prognostic predictor in early breast cancers smaller than 2 cm

We examined the relationship between proliferative activity determined by DNA polymerase α and clinicopathologic variables in breast cancer patients, and evaluated the usefulness of DNA polymerase α as a prognostic predictor in 337 early breast cancers with tumors smaller than 2 cm, which had favorable outcomes. About 60% of tumors had lower proliferative activity. A significant correlation was found between DNA polymerase α and ER, PgR, histological type, or the degree of infiltration into lymphatic vessels which reflect the prognosis. Cancers with higher DNA polymerase α activity were associated with shorter disease-free and overall survival times. In a multivariate analysis the DNA polymerase α was found to be an independent and significant factor in early breast cancer.