C-ERBB-2 gene amplification as a prognostic marker in human bladder cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate c-erbB-2 gene amplification and its prognostic significance in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.


METHODS
Alterations in the gene copy number of c-erbB-2 were detected in 57 bladder tumor samples using a method based on the polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Eighteen tumors (32%) showed gene amplification of c-erbB-2, which correlated with tumor grade and stage. A strong association of c-erbB-2 amplification with patient survival was also found. The amplification resulted in a significantly poorer prognosis among the patients with high-grade and/or invasive tumors. Multivariate analysis revealed that c-erbB-2 amplification and tumor grade were independent prognostic factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data indicate a possible role of the c-erbB-2 gene in the development of aggressive behavior in bladder tumors. Moreover, the use of c-erbB-2 gene amplification, together with tumor grade and stage, could provide an accurate basis for determining the prognosis of bladder cancer.
Miyamoto
H
H
Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Kubota
Y
Y
Noguchi
S
S
Takase
K
K
Matsuzaki
J
J
Moriyama
M
M
Takebayashi
S
S
Kitamura
H
H
Hosaka
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D018734:Genes, erbB-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality