Expression and prognostic significance of c-erbB-2 molecules in patients with breast cancer in Iran

ABSTRACT

Epidermal growth factor receptors [EGFRs] are a group of molecules with structural and functional similarities, which are expressed in some breast cancers. In the present investigation, the presence of two members of the EGFR family namely c-erbB-1 and c-erbB-2 was assessed as a prognostic indicator in a series of breast tumors. To study the over-expression of c-erbB-1 and c-erbB-2 in a series of primary breast cancer as a prognostic factor. A series of 100 patients with primary operable breast cancers were investigated for expression of EGFRs in their tumors by immunocytochemical staining with the monoclonal antibodies against erbB-1 and erbB-2 molecules. An indirect immunoperoxidase method was used for determination of these receptors in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast carcinoma tissues. This technique was also used to investigate the expression of c-erbB-1 and 2 in 23 out of the 100 fresh frozen tissues of breast carcinoma. Our results indicate that 20 [20%] and 41 [41%] tumors showed positive immunoreactivity with erbB-1 and erbB-2 monoclonal antibodies, respectively. Results also indicated that in 100% of cases the pattern of immunoreactivity in fresh tissues were comparable with those of the formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues. Strong correlation between distinct c-erbB-2 expression and short disease-free interval was observed but no significant association was found with c-erbB-1. The results show that the c-erbB-2 receptor status may be a useful prognostic marker in breast cancer