EXPRESSION OF THE C-ERBB-3 GENE-PRODUCT IN GASTRIC-CANCER

The pattern of c-erbB-3 gene product was studied in 91 advanced gastri c carcinomas, adjacent hyperplastic mucosa, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia and in normal controls, using immunohistochemistry in archiv al material. All tumours showed positive c-erbB-3 staining in both cyt oplasm and membrane. No significant differences of expression were obs erved between intestinal and diffuse-type carcinomas or any other clin ical parameters. Of interest is the expression in the adjacent mucosa, which is extensive, cytoplasmic, and of lower intensity than in the t umours. Further studies are currently being carried out to clarify the role of this protein in tumour behaviour and gastric carcinogenesis. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.