C-ERBB-2 gene amplification as a prognostic marker in human bladder cancer
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Updated: Oct 16, 2026
An Orthotopic Bladder Cancer Model for Gene Delivery Studies
Published on: December 1, 2013
H Miyamoto1, Y Kubota, S Noguchi
1Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Objectives:
To evaluate c-erbB-2 gene amplification and its prognostic significance in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.
Methods:
Alterations in the gene copy number of c-erbB-2 were detected in 57 bladder tumor samples using a method based on the polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Eighteen tumors (32%) showed gene amplification of c-erbB-2, which correlated with tumor grade and stage. A strong association of c-erbB-2 amplification with patient survival was also found. The amplification resulted in a significantly poorer prognosis among the patients with high-grade and/or invasive tumors. Multivariate analysis revealed that c-erbB-2 amplification and tumor grade were independent prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
Our data indicate a possible role of the c-erbB-2 gene in the development of aggressive behavior in bladder tumors. Moreover, the use of c-erbB-2 gene amplification, together with tumor grade and stage, could provide an accurate basis for determining the prognosis of bladder cancer.
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