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Relationship of oncogene C-erbB-2 amplification in breast cancer with pathological parameters and disease free survival

Abstract:

Background: Proto-oncogene c-erbB-2 is located in chromosome 17 region q21 and codifies a 185 Kd protein, with tyrosine kinase activity. The amplification of this gene is associated with relapse and lower survival in breast cancer. Overexpression of this gene can be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) allow the simultaneous analysis of morphology and overexpression of the gene. Aim: To evaluate the relationship of c-erbB-2 oncogene amplification measured by FISH with histological graduation, presence of positive lymph nodes and evolution of breast cancer. Patients and methods: One hundred and ten tissue samples of invasive ductal or lobulillar breast cancer, positive for c-erbB-2 oncogene by IHC were analysed. The presence of c-erbB-2 oncogene amplification was subsequently analyzed by FISH. Results: There was a significant association of c-erbB-2 amplification by FISH with pathological graduation of the tumor, number of regional lymph nodes involved and disease free survival. Conclusions: Proto-oncogene c-erbB-2 amplification is a good indicator of bad prognosis in invasive breast cancer.