Klin Onkol 2000; 13(5): 167-170.
Summary:
Backgrounds: K-ras mutation is the most common genetic abnormality of pancreatic cancer. C-erbB-2 expression varies between 19 to 82 %.
Design and subjects: 32 tumors (28 exocrine pancreatic carcinoma, 3 neuroendocrine tumors and 1 carcinoma of Vater papilla) were analysed for the presence of c-erbB-2 expression and K-ras mutations. Correlation with family history of cancer, time from initial symptoms until diagnosis, tumor size and TNM stage at diagnosis, tumor grade, type of operation and overall survival was made. Results: In exocrine pancreatic cancer samples, c-erbB-2 overexpression was seen in 21,4 % (6/28) and K-ras mutations in 56 % (13/23) cases. Neither c-erbB-2 overexpression nor K-ras mutations were found in neuroendocrine tumors. C-erbB-2 overexpresion but not K-ras mutation were present in one case of carcinoma Vater papilla. C-erbB-2 overexpression was strongly correlated with shortened overall survival (log rank: p = 0, 0297, Breslow: p = 0, 0184). Univariate statistical analysis did not rich statistical significancy in any other parameter studied.
Conclusion: In our study, c-erbB-2 overexpression is a negative prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer patients.
