Amplification and overexpression of the EGF receptor and c-erbB-2 proto-oncogenes in human stomach cancer
1991

EGF Receptor and c-erbB-2 in Stomach Cancer

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): N.R. Lemoine, S. Jain, F. Silvestre, C. Lopes, C.M. Hughes, E. McLelland, W.J. Gullick, M. Isabel Filipe

Primary Institution: ICRF Molecular Oncology Group, MRC Cyclotron Building, Hammersmith Hospital

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the frequency of EGF receptor and c-erbB-2 gene amplification and rearrangement in gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Abnormal expression of the EGF receptor and c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene occurs at a significant frequency in gastric cancer, regardless of gene amplification.

Supporting Evidence

  • Overexpression of c-erbB-2 was detected in 26% of cases examined.
  • EGF receptor overexpression was found in 18% of gastric cancers.
  • Gene amplification of c-erbB-2 was observed in 13% of cases.
  • EGF receptor gene amplification was rare, detected in only 2 cases.
  • Immunohistochemical detection of c-erbB-2 was effective in paraffin sections.

Takeaway

This study looked at how often certain genes are overactive in stomach cancer, which can help doctors understand the disease better.

Methodology

The study involved examining gastrectomy specimens for gene amplification and expression levels using Southern blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Limitations

The study's sample size is relatively small, and the results may not be generalizable to all gastric cancer cases.

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