P53, C-ERBB-2 AND NM23 EXPRESSION HAVE NO PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE IN PRIMARY PULMONARY ADENOCARCINOMA

Objective: We analysed nm23, c-erbB-2 and p53 protein expression in lu ng adenocarcinoma in relation to clinicopathological status and patien t survival, to elucidate any potential prognostic value. Published rep orts suggest that high p53 and c-erbB-2 protein expression and loss of nm23 protein expression are associated with poor prognosis. Methods: A total of 162 pulmonary adenocarcinomas resected between 1980 and 199 1 were stained using monoclonal antibodies to nm23 (NCL-nm23), c-erbB- 2 (NCL-CB11) and p53 (DAKO Do7). Antigen retrieval was by microwave he ating and bound antibody was visualised using standard immunohistochem ical methods. Staining was scored by two observers blinded to tumour s tatus and patient survival. Results: Of the tumours, 101/162 (62.3%) e xhibited high-level p53 expression, 30 (18.5%) showed high-level c-erb B-2 membrane staining, and 77 (47.5%) demonstrated loss of nm23 positi vity. The influence of T and N status and disease stage on postoperati ve survival was as expected. The predicted effect on patient survival of nm23, c-erbB-2 or nm23 protein expression suggested by previous stu dies was not verified by our work. This was true both overall and for groups within the same T or N status or stage. Conclusion: Immunohisto chemical assessment of the nm23, c-erbB-2 and p53 proteins using the a bove monoclonal antibodies does not have value as an independent progn ostic indicator in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.