c-erbB-2 gene product-like expression in urothelial carcinomas of the human bladder. Its value as a prognostic indicator in superficial tumors.

54 transitional cell carcinomas and 8 mucosal biopsies of the human bladder were stained with monoclonal 3B5 antibody, using three stage peroxidase technique. The antibody is raised against intracytoplasmic domain of the human c-erbB-2 gene product. 37 (69%) carcinomas and 1 specimen with hyperplastic-dysplastic changes, showed positive staining. There was good correlation between c-erbB-2 protein expression and extent of tumor invasion. Correlation with clinical course showed that it was also a good predictor of superficial tumors.