The Abnormal Expressions of c-erbB-2 or p53 Proteins are Significant Prognostic Factors in Gastric Cancer

We evaluated the expression of the c-erbB-2 protein and the abnormal p53 protein gastric cancer, using monoclonal antibodies mAb 1 and PAb 240, respectively. c-rebB-2 protein expression was found in 17 (11%) of 160 gastric cancers. The 5-year survival rates in patients with positive and negative c-erbB-2 protein were 29% and 47%, respectively, a statistically significant difference. Moreover, patients with positive staining had higher recurrence rates, such as lymph node metastasis, hepatic metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. Abnormalities in p53 expression were found in 52 (54%) of 96 gastric cancers. Tumors stained positively for p53 metastasized to lymph nodes (Metastatic rate: 85%) more frequently than those with negative staining (64%). The incidence of DNA aneuploid pattern, as determined by flow cytometry, and proliferative activity, as measured by the Ki-67 labeling index, were higher in the p53-positive group than in the p53-negative group. Data on the immunohistochemistry of c-erbB-2 and p53 proteins in gastric cancer will be clinically useful in providing information on prognosis.