For all biomarkers, the time-updated value was a stronger predictor than the initial value though for PCT and copeptin also the initial value of the marker remained significant in the model with both the initial and the time-updated marker (P = 0.046 and P = 0.03, respectively).
After Bonferroni correction, four markers remained significant in at least one population.
In multivariate regression analysis, this treatment-by-marker interaction remained significant (P=0.005; HR=0.55; 95% CI, 0.36 0.85), along with nodal status, tumour grade/size, patient age, ER, PgR, Ki67 (all as continuous variables); HER1 3 expression; and treatment (Table 1).
The P-value from the type III test indicated if the marker of interest remained significant after all other markers were placed in the model.
When patients were separated into prognostic subgroups according to established clinical markers, these associations remained significant within most subgroups examined.
Adjusting for age, smoking history and body mass index (BMI), and after a Sidak correction for multiple testing, none of the single-marker P values remained significant at alpha = 0.05.
In maternal data all markers remained statistically significant after adjustments, with the exception of FV rs9332624, IL-5 rs739718, and PTGER3 rs977214.
However, the prognosis impact of these markers remained statistically significant (data not shown).
In stepwise Cox regression models all four hormones remained significant markers of outcome (data not shown).
