C-erBB2 over-expression in invasive breast carcinoma

Abstract

The c-erbB2 proto-oncogene, which belongs to the human epidermal growth factor receptor family, is known to be either amplified, overexpressed, or both in human malignancies. In this study, c-erbB2 gene amplification and protein expression was evaluated by Fluorescent in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in a series of Singapore women with invasive breast cancer and correlated with pathologic parameters. Salient findings include the observation of a positive correlation of c-erbB2 expression with histologic grade and a negative correlation with hormonal status. Patients with c-erB2-positive cancers had a poorer prognosis as disease free and overall survival was lower than their c-erB2-negative counterparts.