C-ERBB-3 PROTOONCOGENE EXPRESSION IN UTERINE CERVICAL-CARCINOMA

Over-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-erbB-2, in uterine cervical carcinomas, is associated with a worsened prognosis. A third member of this proto-oncogene family, c-erbB-3, has now been identified and its over-expression has been described in a variety of carcinomas. In this immunohistochemical study we have shown that c-erbB-3 is widely expressed in cervical carcinomas, but we have found no association between its over-expression and lymph node status or clinical outcome. In a similar study examining the expression of EGFR and c-erbB-2 it was possible to demonstrate an association between over-expression and a worse prognosis. We conclude, therefore, that it is unlikely that demonstration of c-erbB-3 over-expression will be of any value as a prognostic indicator in carcinoma of the uterine cervix.