p53, c-erbB-2 and nm23 expression have no prognostic significance in primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We analysed nm23, c-erbB-2 and p53 protein expression in lungadenocarcinoma in relation to clinicopathological status and patientsurvival, to elucidate any potential prognostic value. Published reportssuggest that high p53 and c-erbB-2 protein expression and loss of nm23protein expression are associated with poor prognosis. METHODS: A total of162 pulmonary adenocarcinomas resected between 1980 and 1991 were stainedusing monoclonal antibodies to nm23 (NCL-nm23), c- erbB-2 (NCL-CB11) andp53 (DAKO Do7). Antigen retrieval was by microwave heating and boundantibody was visualised using standard immunohistochemical methods.Staining was scored by two observers blinded to tumour status and patientsurvival. RESULTS: Of the tumours, 101/162 (62.3%) exhibited high-level p53expression, 30 (18.5%) showed high-level c-erbB-2 membrane staining, and 77(47.5%) demonstrated loss of nm23 positivity. The influence of T and Nstatus and disease stage on postoperative survival was as expected. Thepredicted effect on patient survival of nm23, c-erbB-2 or nm23 proteinexpression suggested by previous studies was not verified by our work. Thiswas true both overall and for groups within the same T or N status orstage. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical assessment of the nm23, c-erbB-2 andp53 proteins using the above monoclonal antibodies does not have value asan independent prognostic indicator in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: