Prognostic value of the quantified expression of P185(c-erbB2) in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: We sought to assess the relationship between tissue concentrati on of erb-b-2 or neu oncogene-encoded protein (p185(neu)) with overall surv ival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Levels of protein p185(neu) were determined in 102 patients with t he diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Concentration of p185(neu) prot ein was determined by using enzyme immunoassay and evaluated by using sever al variables. The relative prognostic importance of this marker and its inf luence on other prognostic factors was evaluated by using the Cox regressio n model. Results: The mean p185(neu) value in these samples was 250 +/- 200 U/mg (95 % confidence interval, 210-290). This distinguished two groups within the t umoral population: those with less than 350 U/mg and those with 350 U/mg or greater (80th percentile). Multivariable analysis established an independe nt prognostic value for protein p185(neu). Patients with p185(neu) values o f the 80th percentile or greater had a risk of death that was 2.11-fold (95 % confidence interval, 1.10-4.05) that of patients with values of less than 350 U/mg (P = .03), and increases in the neu oncogene of 100 U/mg increase d the probability of death by 17% (P = .02; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1 .31). Conclusion: This study shows that the p185(neu) expression is an objective and comparable variable for the assessment of phenotypic aggressivity in no n-small cell lung cancer, and in the future, it could be included in daily clinical practice.