G. Riou et al., c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu) gene amplification is a better indicator of poor prognosis than protein over-expression in operable breast-cancer patients, INT J CANC, 95(4), 2001, pp. 266-270
Our aim was to compare the prognostic value of c-erbB-2 gene amplification
analyzed by Southern blot with that of protein (p185) over-expression measu
red by immunohistochemistry in 172 patients with operable breast cancer (BC
), Amplification and p185 over-expression were found in 31 (18%) and 51 (30
%) IBCs, respectively. All but I of the tumors showed both amplification an
d over-expression, while 21 (12%) tumors displayed over-expression without
amplification. The risk of death associated with c-erbB-2 gene amplificatio
n and p 185 over-expression was evaluated by multivariate analysis, taking
into account tumor size, histoprognostic grade, hormone receptors and axill
ary node status. During a mean follow-up of 9.5 (+/-2) years, node involvem
ent (P < 0.001), c-erbB-2 gene amplification (p = 0.02) and negative hormon
e receptors (p = 0.02) were found to be independent prognostic indicators o
f the risk of death. Over-expression of p185 with no amplification was not
correlated with this risk. When the risk of death associated with c-erbB-2
amplification was studied according to chemo- and hormone therapy, no signi
ficant difference was observed between subgroups of subjects, Amplification
was also associated (P < 0.02) with the risk of multifocal distant metasta
ses (i.e,, metastases detected concomitantly in at least 2 sites) and, thus
, with BC aggressiveness. These data show the importance of c-erbB-2 gene a
mplification in predicting the long-term outcome of patients and in selecti
ng eligible patients for c-erbB-2-targeted therapies. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss,
Inc.