Abstract
Overexpression of HER-2/neu in human breast carcinomas correlates with poor prognosis, although its strength as a prognostic indicator varies widely in different reports. Variability may be due to active signalling by HER-2/neu in a subset of the tumours in which it is overexpressed. To study this hypothesis, we have developed an activation state-specific anti-HER-2/neu monoclonal antibody. In this report, we use this antibody to analyse the signalling status of HER-2/neu in a large series of invasive breast carcinomas. Overexpression of HER-2/neu was detected in 9% of 223 cases. Of the cases demonstrating overexpression, active signalling by HER-2/neu was detected in only 35%. The clinicopathological characteristics of these cases are described. This functional assay is predicted to improve the utility of HER-2/ neu as a prognostic indicator.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / analysis
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Breast Neoplasms / genetics
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Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
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Breast Neoplasms / pathology
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Breast Neoplasms / surgery
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Carcinoma in Situ / genetics
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Carcinoma in Situ / metabolism*
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Carcinoma in Situ / pathology
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Carcinoma in Situ / surgery
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Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / genetics
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Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / metabolism*
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Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
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Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry / methods
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Middle Aged
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Prognosis
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Receptor, ErbB-2 / biosynthesis*
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Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
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Receptors, Estrogen / analysis
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Retrospective Studies
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Staining and Labeling
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Receptors, Estrogen
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Receptor, ErbB-2