Activation of c‐erbB‐2 and prognosis in ovarian carcinoma. Comparison with histologic type, grade, and stage

Background. Prior reports suggested that measuring c‐erbB‐2 activation in ovarian carcinomas might be valuable in predicting prognosis. The authors attempted to confirm these studies while specifically excluding tumors of low malignant potential. Methods. The clinical and pathologic significance of c‐erbB‐2 oncogene activation was assessed in 56 ovarian carcinomas, none of which met histologic criteria for tumor of low malignant potential. Results. By using an immunohistochemical technique previously validated in molecular studies, c‐erbB‐2 oncogene overexpression was identified in 10 of the 56 carcinomas but did not correlate with histologic type, histologic grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, or prognosis. Adverse prognostic factors included histologic type (serous carcinoma), high grade, and high stage (FIGO Stages III and IV). Grade and stage were highly correlated with each other and were more important prognostic indicators than histologic type. Conclusion. Measuring c‐erbB‐2 activation in ovarian carcinomas may not be of practical value in predicting prognosis when tumors of low malignant potential are excluded. Cancer 1994; 73:1460–6.