Oncogene expression and microvessel count in recurrent and nonrecurrent stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate p53, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-e rbB-2 oncogene expression and compare it with microvessel count (MVC) in de termining the clinical outcome of stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix. STUDY DESIGN: Immunostaining with p53, EGFR, C-erbB-2 and factor VIII antib odies was performed on tumor sections from 22 patients (II with cancer recu rrence, II free of cancer after four years). The levels of oncogene express ion were semiquantitatively graded (0-4). Microvessels were counted (per 20 0 x field) in areas of highest neovascularization. RESULTS: Eight of II patients (72.7%) with recurrence (45.5%) free of disea se. This difference is Mot significant (P = .39). An equal number of patien ts with and without recurrence expressed c-erbB-2. Five of II patients (45. 5%) with recurrence expressed p53, as compared with 6 of II (54.5%)free of disease (P = 1.00). Eight of II patients (72.7%) Eight recurrence had an MV C above 24 as compared with 2 of 11 patients (18.2%) free of dis ease; this difference was statistically significant (P = .03). CONCLUSION: The expression of EGFR, p53 and c-erbB-2 appears to have little prognostic value in stage Ib SCC of the uterine cervix. The prognostic val ue of MVC is in keeping with previous findings.