c-erbB-2 and Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): McKay J A, Loane J F, Ross V G, Ameyaw M-M, Murray G I, Cassidy J, McLeod H L
Primary Institution: University of Aberdeen
Hypothesis
Is c-erbB-2 a significant factor in the development and prognosis of colorectal cancer?
Conclusion
c-erbB-2 does not play a major role in the development of colorectal adenocarcinoma and is not a useful prognostic marker.
Supporting Evidence
- 81.8% of colorectal tumors expressed c-erbB-2, but most had similar levels in adjacent normal tissue.
- Only 52.4% of lymph node metastases showed c-erbB-2 expression patterns consistent with their primary tumors.
- The Val655Ile SNP allele frequencies were identical between colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls.
Takeaway
This study looked at a protein called c-erbB-2 in colorectal cancer and found it doesn't help predict how the cancer will behave or if it will come back.
Methodology
The study analyzed c-erbB-2 protein expression in colorectal tumors using immunohistochemistry and evaluated a specific genetic polymorphism in colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in sample selection and immunohistochemical scoring methods.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting c-erbB-2 expression and its relationship with colorectal cancer.
Participant Demographics
249 colorectal cancer patients, with a subset of 151 evaluated for genetic polymorphism and 257 healthy controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.015
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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