ErbB1 and ErbB3 co-over expression as a prognostic factor in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor family members such as ErbB1 and ErbB3 are involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Although, there are various reports about the prognostic value of EGFR members separately in gastric cancer, there is not any report about the probable correlation between ErbB1 and ErbB3 co-expression and gastric cancer prognosis. In present study, we assessed the correlation between ErbB1 and ErbB3 co-overexpression (in the level of mRNA and protein expression) and gastric cancer prognosis for the first time. METHODS: ErbB1 and ErbB3 expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR in 50 patients with gastric cancer. Parametric correlations were done between the ErbB1 and ErbB3 expression and clinicopathological features. Multivariate and logistic regression analyses were also done to assess the roles of ErbB1 and ErbB3 in tumor prognosis and survival. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between ErbB1/ErbB3 co-overexpression and tumor size (p = 0.026), macroscopic features (p < 0.05), tumor differentiation (p < 0.05), stage of tumor (p < 0.05), and recurrence (p < 0.05). Moreover, ErbB1/ErbB3 co-overexpression may predict the survival status of patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ErbB1 and ErbB3 co-overexpression is accompanied with the poor prognosis and can be used efficiently in targeted therapy of gastric cancer patients.

HER-2 positivity and correlations with other histopathologic features in breast cancer patients-hospital based study

To review HER-2 status and its correlation with all other prognostic histopathological features of all Breast Cancer [BC] patients diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2004 at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital [KAUH] in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Histopathology specimens were examined by Immunohistochemistry [IHC] and labeled as HER-2/neu positive when Hercep Test score was three plus [3+]. HER-2/neu was reported only in 145 patients out of 260. Out of 145 patients, it was positive in 41 patients [28.3%], negative in 104 patients [71.7%]. Correlations between HER-2/neu status and age, race and other prognostic histopathologic features revealed: No correlation with age [or <40 Y vs >40 Y with a p-value of 0.552], race [Saudis vs Non-Saudis with a p-value of 0.133], histopathology subtype [p=0.980], tumor size [p=0.455], number of positive lymph nodes [p=0.660], tumor grade [p=0.062], lymphovascular invasion [p=0.055] and progesterone receptor [PR] status [p=0.069] but positive correlation only with estrogen receptor status [ER] [p=0.003]. HER-2/neu over expression was positive in 28.3% of the tested specimens of BC which is consistent with what was reported in literature. It was found to correlate inversely with ER status. Routine testing is mandatory because of its prognostic value and impact on further management

Carcinoma de células transicionais da bexiga (CCT): detecção precoce de alterações genéticas como fator diagnóstico e prognostico da progressão tumoral / Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC): precocious detection of genetic alterations as diagnosis factor and tumor progression prognosis

Carcinoma de células transicionais (CCT) é o tipo histológico predominante de tumor epitelial maligno da bexiga. Estudos genéticos sobre os processos de iniciação e de progressão tumoral têm contribuído para o melhor entendimento dos mecanismos de carcinogênese urotelial. A ocorrência de alterações genéticas, principalmente em genes supressores de tumor e oncogenes, como CDKN-2, ARF, RB, TP53, H-RAS, BCL-2, c_ERBB-2, cyclin D1 e o receptor EGF-R, tem sido relatada em CCT. A progressão desses tumores parece ocorrer conjuntamente com a aquisição de anomalias cromossômicas com deleções em 9p, 9q e 17p e ganhos em 1q, 5p, 7p, 11q e 17q. Assim, a avaliação genética utilizando marcadores genéticos para o diagnóstico precoce e risco de recorrência e metástases torna-se um método promissor