HIGH C-ERB-2 PROTEIN LEVEL IN COLORECTAL ADENOCARCINOMAS CORRELATES WITH CLINICAL-PARAMETERS

Sections of normal colon, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene product in order to assess its potential diagnostic value in predictin g the malignant potential of these lesions. We compared the degree of epithelial abnormality and clinical parameters, including Dukes' class ification and survival time with the extent of immunoperoxidase staini ng. Sections of normal colon and tubular adenomas examined demonstrate d a weak immunostaining localized to the luminal surface cells. Howeve r, higher level of c-erbB-2 expression was observed in dysplastic area s of one tubular and one villous adenoma. Out of 40 adenocarcinomas, o nly 2 samples showed weak immunoreaction, while 38 samples were modera tely or strongly positive for c-erbB-2 protein. The intensity of stain ing correlated positively with the stage of disease and postoperative survival time.