Neu (C-erbB-2) oncogene in breast cancer and its possible association with the risk of distant metastases. A retrospective study and review of literature.
By immunohistochemical staining C-erbB-2 (neu) oncogene was found on the cell membrane in 19 out of 44 primary breast cancers from a pathology archive. No obvious relation was found between neu oncogene, age, and lymph node status and tumor size. There was a tendency towards smaller primary tumors and more estrogen receptor-negative tumors in the oncogene-positive group. No case of distant metastasis during follow-up was found among the oncogene-negative patients, while 6 oncogene-positive patients developed such metastases. This suggests that the neu oncogene is an independent prognostic factor, which might predict the development of distant metastasis. Further studies including more patients and long-term survival analysis are, however, needed in order to evaluate the prognostic significance of the neu oncogene.
Makar
A P
AP
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St Augustinus, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
Desmedt
E J
EJ
De Potter
C R
CR
Vanderheyden
J S
JS
Schatteman
E A
EA
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk
D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases