HER-2/neu Protein Expression in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Birgit Schuell, Thomas Gruenberger, Werner Scheithauer, Christoph Zielinski, Fritz Wrba
Primary Institution: Medical University Vienna
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of HER-2/neu positivity in colorectal cancers and its relationship with patients' survival?
Conclusion
The study found that HER-2/neu expression is rare in colorectal cancer and does not significantly impact survival or treatment management.
Supporting Evidence
- 70% of specimens were HER-2/neu negative.
- Only 4% of specimens showed expression in the therapeutic range.
- No significant association was found between HER-2 expression and survival.
Takeaway
This study looked at cancer samples to see if a certain protein, HER-2/neu, was present. They found it was mostly not there, which means it probably doesn't help doctors decide how to treat this type of cancer.
Methodology
The study involved immunohistochemistry on 77 specimens of malignant colorectal cancer lesions from surgically resected patients.
Limitations
The small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 52.5 years, with 48 males and 29 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.088
Statistical Significance
p = 0.088
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website