Prognostic significance of c-erbB-2 gene expression in pancreatic cancer patients

Molecular methods tend to belong to the standard armamentarium of modern pathology. In some instances, these methods are able to identify nosological entities with better accuracy than conventional technique. These methods give useful complementary information to choose appropriate therapeutic strategy. C-erbB-2 overexpression in pancreatic cancer vary widely between 17 to 82%. C-erbB-2 gene is perspective target of anticancer therapies. 57 histologically confirmed tumors (51 pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 5 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and 1 carcinoma of Vater's ampullae) were analyzed for the presence of c-erbB-2 expression by immunohistochemistry. Correlation with time from initial symptoms until diagnosis, tumor size and TNM stage at diagnosis, tumor grade, type of operation and overall survival were investigated. C-erbB-2 overexpression was detected in 19.6% samples of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and in one case of Vater's ampullae carcinoma. C-erbB-2 overexpression was found in two of four insulinomas. Univariate statistical correlation stage between c-erbB-2 overexpression and time from initial symptoms until diagnosis, tumor size and TNM at diagnosis, tumor grade, type of operation and overall survival did not reach statistical significans in any parameter studied. C-erbB-2 oncogene was not found to be prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer. Its value to predict therapeutical response remains to be determined in prospective clinical trials.