Korean J Urol.  2001 Sep;42(9):924-933.

Amplification and Overexpression of c-erbB2/neu in Bladder Tumor Using Real-time Quantitative PCR with TaqMan Detection System

• Kim SW
• Chung HS
• Lee SJ
• Lee JY
• Cho YH
• Yoon MS
• Park YH

Abstract

PURPOSE: C-erbB2/neu gene is potentially amplified and expressed in several tumors. In some cases, this genetic alteration seems to be a prognostic index of both overall survival and time to relapse. We investigated c-erbB2/neu gene amplification and overexpression in bladder cancer and also its relation to tumor grade, stage, and clinical outcome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We have developed a real-time quantitative PCR assay based on TaqMan fluorescence methodology to evaluate c-erbB2/neu amplification and overexpression and prognostic significance of c-erbB2/neu overexpression in bladder cancer. The study was performed in 20 normal controls and 46 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy or transurethral resection.
RESULTS
Twelve cases of bladder cancer (26.1%) showed c-erbB2/neu amplification and 13 cases (28.3%) showed overexpression of c-erbB2/neu. Except one case, a complete correlation between the results of amplification and overexpression of c- erbB2/neu was obtained. The incidence of c-erbB2/neu overexpression was significantly increased among the patients with high grade and/or invasive cancers (p <0.05). A strong association of c-erbB2/neu overexpression with patient survival was also found (p <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
From this study using real-time quantitative PCR, the c-erbB2/neu overexpression, together with tumor grade and stage, may be applicable as the independent prognostic factor for evaluation of invasiveness, metastatic potential and survival of bladder cancer.

Keyword

C-erbB2/neu gene; Bladder cancer; Real-time quantitative PCR

MeSH Terms

Cystectomy
Fluorescence
Gene Amplification
Humans
Incidence
Polymerase Chain Reaction*
Recurrence
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms*
Urinary Bladder*