[Overexpression of C-erbB3 in transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of C-erbB3 abnormal protein expression in transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary in our hospital and to analyse the correlation between the overexpression of C-erbB3 protein and prognostic parameters of transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary.

METHODS

Thirty-two transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary and 20 normal ovaries were studied for overexpression of C-erbB3 protein by immunohistochemical staining (IHS), using the monoclonal antibody RJT2 on paraffin sections.

RESULTS

Forty seven percent of 32 samples of transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary showed positive IHS with RJT2, and 39% of 20 normal ovaries showed positive cytoplasmic and membrane staining (P > 0.05). C-erbB3 overexpression did not correlate with age, CA125 levels, histological grade and lymph node metastases, but patients with overexpression of C-erbB3 had a poorer prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of C-erbB3 is a common event in transitional cell carcinoma of ovary. Further studies are warranted to clarify the role of C-erbB3 in transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary.