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The expression of c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu) oncogene in invasive ovarian malignancies
A.Ph. Makar1, R. Holm, G.B. Kristensen
1Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract:
The expression of c-erbB-2 oncogene has been studied in 74 formalin fixed paraffin embedded invasive epithelial ovarian malignancies using a monoclonal c-erbB-2 protein antibody. Only four (5.4%) tumors showed membrane immunostaining. FIGO stage, size of residual disease after primary surgery, histologic type and tumor grade, were identified by the log rank test as prognostic factors for survival. No difference in survival was observed between those with and without membrane staining (24 months probability of survival: 50% and 55.4% respectively). Our results did not show any adverse prognostic effect of c-erbB-2 protein expression in our patients.
Insights
This study investigated c-erbB-2 oncogene expression in ovarian cancer. Results showed no significant impact of c-erbB-2 protein expression on patient survival, indicating it is not an adverse prognostic factor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The c-erbB-2 oncogene plays a role in various cancers.
- Its prognostic significance in invasive epithelial ovarian cancer requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression of the c-erbB-2 oncogene in invasive epithelial ovarian malignancies.
- To determine the correlation between c-erbB-2 protein expression and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monoclonal antibodies for c-erbB-2 protein detection via immunostaining.
- Analyzed 74 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded invasive epithelial ovarian tumors.
- Employed log-rank test to identify prognostic factors for survival.
Main Results:
- Membrane immunostaining for c-erbB-2 protein was observed in only 5.4% of tumors.
- FIGO stage, residual disease size, histologic type, and tumor grade were significant prognostic factors.
- No significant difference in survival was found between patients with and without c-erbB-2 membrane staining.
Conclusions:
- c-erbB-2 protein expression did not demonstrate an adverse prognostic effect in this cohort of ovarian cancer patients.
- Further research may be needed to fully understand the role of c-erbB-2 in ovarian carcinogenesis and progression.