Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein expression in adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary glands.
BACKGROUND
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary gland shows a variable clinical course. It would be helpful to discover reliable biologic markers in the management of patients with ACC.


METHODS
We examined proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein expression on 30 cases of ACC of the salivary glands. The immunohistochemical results, and size, location, and histologic grade of the tumors were compared with the clinical outcome of the patients.


RESULTS
Mean PCNA positivity of ACCs was 15%, and was higher in solid than in cribriform/tubular areas. High PCNA value was significantly correlated with shorter disease-free and overall survival of the patients with ACC. c-erbB-2 overexpression was observed in only five cases, focally in cribriform/tubular areas. High histologic grade, which was determined by the presence of solid components, showed a trend toward shorter survival. Size and location of ACC were not associated with patient outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study indicates that PCNA score may be one of the most useful prognostic factor of ACC.
Department of Anatomic Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, 215-4 Gongneung-dong, Nowon-ku, Seoul 139-706, Korea.
K J
KJ
Cho
S S
SS
Lee
Y S
YS
Lee
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D016019:Survival Analysis
D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases