Evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor, transforming growth factor alpha, epidermal growth factor and c-erbB2 in the progression of invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION

Determination of the risk of invasive bladder tumors progressing is still imprecise due to the heterogeneous biological behavior of this neoplasm. The goals of this study were to evaluate the patterns of expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) system in invasive bladder cancer and to assess its prognostic value.

METHODS

This immunohistochemical study was performed using fresh frozen tumor samples and a panel of monoclonal antibodies on a series of 43 invasive bladder cancers treated by cystectomy.

RESULTS

EGF was detected in 45% of the tumors and did not correlate with survival from bladder cancer. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) was expressed by 60% of the tumors and correlated strongly with death from bladder cancer. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) expression was seen in 86% of cases and had no prognostic significance. c-erbB2 was expressed in 50% of cases and was inversely related to a poor prognosis. When EGF and TGF alpha were both expressed, there was little or no expression of c-erbB2.

CONCLUSION

The accumulation of several growth factors and the relevant receptor are necessary for the progression of invasive bladder cancers. They could be used as indicators of tumor aggressiveness.