Abstract
Recently reported morphologic end molecular genetic evidence suggests that some ovarian carcinomas arise from their benign end low malignant potential (IMP) counterparts. In order to help reach a better understanding of ovarian tumorigenesis, we studied a wide range of gene products involved in cellular growth regulation in archival material obtained from three groups of tumors with graduated malignant potential. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER-2/neu-encoded receptor protein, p53 gene product, end multidrug resistance gene product (P-glycoprotein). The expression of EGFR, HER-2/neu-encoded receptor protein, end mutant p53 product was significantly lower in LMP tumors than in carcinomas (p < 0.05). HER-2/neu immunopositivity was more prevalent in adenocarcinomas then in LMP tumors, and the proportion of HER-2/neu-positive adenocarcinomas increased with the progression of the disease. The staining differences between LMP tumors and adenocarcinomas with antibodies against Ki-67, PCNA, and P-glycoprotein were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemical detection of EGFR, HER-2/neu, and p53 in ovarian epithelial tumor is relevant to ovarian tumorigenesis. It could serve as a powerful tool for the pursuit of retrospective studies focused on these important biologic markers.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 532-539 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Cancer Detection and Prevention |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 6 |
State | Published - 1997 |
Keywords
- Borderline tumors
- Low malignant potential tumors
- Oncoproteins
- Ovarian neoplasms
- Proliferation markers
- Protooncogenes