The expression of thymidine phosphorylase (dThd Pase) in node-negative human invasive ductal carcinoma tissues was investigated by the immunocytochemical method using anti-thymidine phosphorylase monoclonal antibody.Subjects were 5 recurrent and 30 non-recurrent patients who underwent surgery at the Department of Surgery at Shinshu University Hospital between 1993 and 1996.The median follow-up period was 62.5 months.Positive dThd Pase staining was observed in the five recurrent and four non-recurrent cases. Tumor recurrence was significantly more developed in patients with dThd Pase positive staining than in those with negative staining (p＜0.01).Among the nine dThd Pase positive cases,four patients who were administered doxifluridine (5’-DFUR) or medroxyprogesterone (MPA) did not manifest recurrence. Among the recurrent patients, two were cured by oral administration of 5’-DFUR or MPA. It is suggested that the expression of thymidine phosphorylase in human breast cancer tissues may be a risk factor for tumor recurrence. The prognosis of node-negative and dThd Pase positive breast cancer patients might be improved by hormonal therapy or oral administration of 5’-DFUR.Article信州医学雑誌 49(2): 79-83(2001)journal articl
