c-erbB-2 mRNA Expression as a Predictor in Oesophageal Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Miyazono F, Metzger R, Warnecke-Eberz U, Baldus S E, Brabender J, Bollschweiler E, Doerfler W, Mueller R P, Dienes H P, Aikou T, Hoelscher A H, Schneider P M
Primary Institution: University of Cologne
Hypothesis
Can quantitative c-erbB-1 and c-erbB-2 mRNA expression in pretreatment biopsies predict histopathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy in oesophageal cancer?
Conclusion
Quantitative c-erbB-2 mRNA expression testing can identify patients whose tumours do not respond well to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- c-erbB-2 mRNA expression levels were significantly associated with histopathologic response.
- 28% of patients with high c-erbB-2 levels did not respond well to treatment.
- Specificity for predicting minor histopathologic response was 100% for c-erbB-2.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain genes in cancer cells can help doctors know if a treatment will work. They found that one gene, c-erbB-2, can help tell if the treatment will be effective.
Methodology
The study involved 36 patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant therapy, with mRNA expression levels of c-erbB-1 and c-erbB-2 measured in pretreatment biopsies.
Limitations
The study only examined mRNA levels in pretreatment biopsies, which may not reflect changes during treatment.
Participant Demographics
Median age: 59.6 years; 29 men and 7 women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.15 for c-erbB-1; p<0.01 for c-erbB-2
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.66 for c-erbB-1; 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.81 for c-erbB-2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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