[Expression of the cerbB-2 (HER-2/neu) oncoprotein in prostatic adenocarcinoma]

Our aim is to determine the expression of the cerbB-2 oncoprotein in prostate cancers using an immunohistochemistry staining and to compare these results with several clinical and histological prognostic factors.

An immunohistochemical staining using the cerbB-2 monoclonal antibody (Dako) was performed in 32 radical prostatectomy specimens diagnosed of adenocarcinoma. The intensity of cerbB-2 expression was evaluated with a scale that variated from 0 (no staining) to 3+ (strong complete membrane staining) according to published guidelines. Association of cerbB-2 index immunoreactivity with clinical and histological prognostic factors was examined.

Definite positive membranous staining was detected in 14 of 32 neoplastic cases (44%). Such overexpression was correlated with higher Gleason grade (p=0.04) and higher stage of disease (p=0.038).

1) This study shows that 44% of all prostate cancer express the cerbB-2 oncoprotein with immunohistochemical technique. 2) These findings suggest that is necessary to standardize the immunohistochemical staining procedure with cerbB-2 in prostate adenocarcinoma. 3) The level of cerbB-2 expression was correlated with Gleason grade and clinical stage.