[The relationship between C-erbB-2 expression with cell proliferative activity and prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinomas].
C-erbB-2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were detected by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization methods in nasopharyngeal carcinomas(NPC) and pericarcinomatous tissues(PCT). Some NPC cases were followed up for more than 5 years.


RESULTS
The positive rates of C-erbB-2 protein and C-erbB-2 mRNA expression were 87.8%, and 84.0%, respectively in NPC and 74.6% and 76.5%, respectively in PCT. There was a coexpression of C-erbB-2 protein and mRNA. The significant difference for PCNA staining intensity index(S II) existed in the vesico-nuclear and poorly differentiated types of NPC and in the C-erbB-2 staining cases of NPC. No correlation was found between the expression of C-erbB-2 protein and the clinical stage and metastasis as well as survival rate.


CONCLUSIONS
The C-erbB-2 gene overexpression and cell abnormal proliferation are associated with the carcinogenesis and development of NPC. It is helpful to examine both C-erbB-2 gene expression and PCNA in NPC to evaluate the malignant degree and the effect of radiotherapy.
Jin
O
O
Department of Pathology, Hunan Medical University, Changsha.
Yan
Y
Y
Shen
M
M
Cheng
R
R
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D011379:Prognosis; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases