DETECTION OF C-ERBB-2 GENE AMPLIFICATION IN NIPPLE DISCHARGE BY MEANSOF POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

In a patient with non-palpable breast carcinoma, c-erbB-2 gene amplifi cation was detected by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the small number of breast carcinoma cells present in nipple discharge. A mplification of the c-erbB-2 gene is more frequent in carcinoma in sit u than in invasive types. Detection by a PCR-based method may help dia gnose non-palpable breast carcinoma with nipple discharge. Since this gene amplification is related to high proliferation, it might provide useful preoperative information regarding intraductal carcinoma of com edo type and predict responses to chemotherapy.