c-erbB-2 protein expression in astrocytic tumors of the brain.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Astrocytic tumors are the primary brain tumors, which often progress to glioblastoma, a highly malignant neoplasm of the central nervous system. There is much new data regarding to the formation and progression of these tumors; however, glioblastoma remains one of the most fatal neoplasms in humans. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of c-erbB-2 protein expression in various groups of astrocytic tumors.

MATERIAL/METHODS:

65 cases of astrocytic tumors were divided into 3 groups: diffuse astrocytoma (group I; n=17 cases), anaplastic astrocytoma (group II; n=23 cases) and glioblastoma (group III; n=25 cases). C-erbB-2 protein expression was estimated semiquantitatively on immunohistochemically stained tissue sections using antibodies against c-erbB-2 protein. Statistical analysis was performed in all examined groups.

RESULTS:

The c-erbB-2 protein expression was observed in 15 out of 17 cases (88.3%) in group I, 22 out of 25 cases (88%) cases in group II, and in 19 out of 23 cases (82.6%) in group III. There were no statistically significant differences between the examined groups. The strongest c-erbB-2 immunoexpression was observed in low grade astrocytomas (diffuse astrocytomas G2); in the glioblastoma group the c-erbB-2 protein expression was weak and 17.4% of cases were negative.

CONCLUSIONS:

C-erbB-2 protooncogene alteration is an early phenomenon in glial tumor development and progression.

• Authors: Joanna Reszeć, Piotr S Bernaczyk, Robert Milewski, Lech Chyczewski, Zenon Mariak
• Journal: Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research (Med Sci Monit) Vol. 17 Issue 8 Pg. BR216-220 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1643-3750 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21804458 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Receptor, ErbB-2

Topics

• Astrocytoma (metabolism, pathology)
• Brain Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Receptor, ErbB-2 (genetics, metabolism)