ACTIVATION OF C-ERBB-2 AND PROGNOSIS IN OVARIAN-CARCINOMA - COMPARISON WITH HISTOLOGIC TYPE, GRADE, AND STAGE

Background. Prior reports suggested that measuring c-erbB-2 activation in ovarian carcinomas might be valuable in predicting prognosis. The authors attempted to confirm these studies while specifically excludin g tumors of low malignant potential. Methods. The clinical and patholo gic significance of c-erbB-2 oncogene activation was assessed in 56 ov arian carcinomas, none of which met histologic criteria for tumor of l ow malignant potential. Results. By using an immunohistochemical techn ique previously validated in molecular studies, c-erbB-2 oncogene over expression was identified in 10 of the 56 carcinomas but did not corre late with histologic type, histologic grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, or prognosis. Adverse progn ostic factors included histologic type (serous carcinoma), high grade, and high stage (FIGO Stages III and IV). Grade and stage were highly correlated with each other and were more important prognostic indicato rs than histologic type. Conclusion. Measuring c-erbB-2 activation in ovarian carcinomas may not be of practical value in predicting prognos is when tumors of low malignant potential are excluded.