BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study was to verify the classic clinicopathological prognostic factors of the expected survival, to determine the frequency of immunohistochemical factors (C-erB-2, p53) and to verify these immunohistochemical factors in their function as prognostic factors in gastric cancer patients after a potentially curative gastric resection.

METHODOLOGY

In 78 gastric cancer patients after a potentially curative resection the clinicopathological factors (age, general performance of the patient, tumor diameter, TNM stage, stage according to UICC, type of operation and the extent of lymphadenectomy) and immunohistochemical factors (p53 and C-erB-2) were analyzed.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis ASA stage of general performance, size of tumor, TNM stage and stage according to UICC exert significant influence on the median survival. Median survival is higher in patients with C-erB-2 negative reaction and in those with p53 positive reaction, although not significant. In patients with tumor located in proximal two thirds, patients with negative reaction to C-erB-2 have a significantly higher median survival than patients with positive reaction to C-erB-2. The Cox regression model reveals ASA stage and UICC classification to be significant factors whereas immunohistochemical parameters C-erB-2 and p53 do not reveal any significance in the multivariate survival analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of our study the ASA stage and UICC classification influence the expected survival of potentially radically resected gastric cancer patients significantly, while immunohistochemical parameters C-erB-2 and p53 do not.