Observations on the prognostic significance of over-expression of C-erbB2 in patients with adenocarcinoma of lung

Objective: This article is a prospective study on the prognostic significance of over-expression of C-erbB2 as well as several clinical data in patients with adenocarcinoma of lung. Methods: C-erbB2 expressions were determined with immunohistochemistry in the pathologic specimens of 70 patients with adenocarcinoma of lung. Those patients were regularly followed after operation (until lost or death). Results: Over expression of C-erbB2 predicted shortened survival and was significantly related to the survival period or TTP after operation in the patients with adenocarcinoma of lung (P<0.05). The same was true with KPS score < 70, larger tumor mass (>3cm), presence of local or distant metastasis as well as late TMN stage. Conclusion: Over expression of C-erbB2 predicts less favorable outcomes after operation in patients with adenocarcinoma of lung. (authors)