Prognostic value of loss of heterozygosity at BRCA2 in human breast carcinoma

To confirm several recent studies pointing to loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at BRCA2 as a prognostic factor in sporadic breast cancer, we examined this genetic alteration in a large series of human primary breast tumours for which long-term patient outcomes were known. LOH at BRCA2 correlated only with low oestrogen and progesterone receptor content. Univariate analysis of metastasis-free survival and overall survival (log-rank test) showed no link with BRCA2 status (P = 0.34, P = 0.29 respectively). LOH at BRCA2 does not therefore appear to be a major prognostic marker in sporadic breast cancer.