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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
C-erbB2 oncoprotein: prognostic marker in breast cancer
Anca Roşian1, Elena Lazăr, Alice Dema
1Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş", Timişoara.
The c-erbB2 oncoprotein is a biomarker in invasive mammary cancer. Positivity for c-erbB2 correlated with tumor size, with negative expression indicating a better prognosis in non-infiltrative ductal carcinomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Research
- Cancer Progression
Background:
- Invasive mammary cancer is a leading malignancy in women.
- Prognostic factors are crucial for understanding tumoral progression.
- Biomarkers offer insights into biological processes driving cancer growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of the c-erbB2 oncoprotein.
- To assess the association between c-erbB2 expression and invasive mammary cancer outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Study included 56 female patients with invasive mammary cancer.
- Tissue samples were processed using formalin fixation and paraffin embedding.
- Immunohistochemical avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method determined c-erbB2 expression.
Main Results:
- c-erbB2 oncoprotein positivity was observed in 67.9% (38/56) of tumors.
- 32.1% (18/56) of tumors did not express the c-erbB2 oncoprotein.
- Positivity for c-erbB2 correlated with increased tumor size.
Conclusions:
- c-erbB2 oncoprotein expression is linked to tumor size in invasive mammary cancer.
- Non-infiltrative ductal carcinomas, associated with better prognosis, were found to be c-erbB2 negative.
- c-erbB2 status may serve as a prognostic indicator in invasive mammary cancer.
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