Abstract
The c-erbB-2 gene is overexpressed in about 20% of human breast cancers. Four hundred and eighty-three cases previously examined by immunohistochemical staining for c-erbB-2 expression were analysed to assess the risk associated with the elevated protein expression. Oncoprotein expression was correlated with increasing tumour grade but not with oestrogen receptor status, nodal involvement, tumour size or age. There was an increased risk of relapse and death associated with c-erbB-2 expression irrespective of nodal involvement. This marker thus appears to be a significant prognostic factor in the early as well as the late stages of breast cancer.
Highlights
The protein is present in a wide variety of cell types in a range of normal humal foetal and adult tissues (Quirke et al, 1989)
The c-erbB-2 protein is closely related in structure to the epidermal growth factor receptor and is a member of a large family of cell surface growth factor receptors (Hanks et al, 1988)
No natural ligand has been characterised in detail which binds to c-erbB-2 one report has described a mitogenic activity apparently acting through the c-erbB-2 protein (Yarden & Weinberg, 1989)
Summary
The protein is present in a wide variety of cell types in a range of normal humal foetal and adult tissues (Quirke et al, 1989). Either mutation of a specific residue in c-erbB-2 which causes receptor aggregation and tyrosine kinase activation, or elevated expression of the normal c-erbB-2 protein can transform cells in culture (Gullick & Venter, 1989). Overexpression of the c-erbB-2 protein occurs frequently, generally as a consequence of gene amplification, in human breast (Slamon et al, 1989), stomach (Falck & Gullick, 1989), and ovarian cancers (Slamon et al, 1989). C-erbB-2 protein levels are elevated in the great majority of the rapidly growing variant of breast ductal carcinoma in situ of the large cell, comedo type (Van de Vijver et al, 1988) Reports exist of gene amplification in some pancreatic, colonic, renal and salivary gland tumours (Gullick & Venter, 1989). c-erbB-2 protein levels are elevated in the great majority of the rapidly growing variant of breast ductal carcinoma in situ of the large cell, comedo type (Van de Vijver et al, 1988)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
