Amplification and overexpression of the erbB-2 gene in human tumors: its involvement in tumor development, significance as a prognostic factor, and potential as a target for cancer therapy.
The erbB-2 gene is amplified in a high percentage of human adenocarcinomas arising at numerous sites including breast, ovaries, lung, stomach and salivary gland. Gene amplification leads to overexpression of the protein, a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. A number of clinical studies have attempted to correlate the presence of high erbB-2 protein levels in tumors with poor patient prognosis. The majority of the studies do show a positive correlation suggesting that erbB-2 gene amplification and overexpression are signs of more aggressive tumors. The elevated levels of the erbB-2 protein, its extracellular accessibility, and its involvement in the malignant process make it an excellent candidate for tumor specific therapeutic agents.
Hynes
N E
NE
Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics; D005784:Gene Amplification; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics*; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases