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EGFR family expression in breast carcinomas. c‐erbB‐2 and c‐erbB‐4 receptors have different effects on survival

One hundred patients with breast carcinoma followed for 7–11 years were included in the present study of EGFR family members, using immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR. By immunohistochemistry, 36%, 27%, 26%, and 82% of the tumours were positive for EGFR, c‐erbB‐2, c‐erbB‐3, and c‐erbB‐4. All the immunoreactive tumours were confirmed positive by RT‐PCR. Tumour size, histological grade, lymph node status, S‐phase fraction, and stage were confirmed to be significantly associated with both disease‐free and cancer‐specific survival in the present study. Methods of treatment, histological type, and ploidy had no significant effect on survival. Statistical analysis of EGFR family members in these tumours showed a significant association between c‐erbB‐2 expression and reduced disease‐free and cancer‐specific survival. c‐erbB‐4 expression was associated with a more favourable outcome. Co‐expression of c‐erbB‐2 and EGFR was associated with a worse prognosis. c‐erbB‐4 expression, however, showed an antagonistic effect on the clinical influence of c‐erbB‐2 expression. In conclusion, c‐erbB‐2 expression in breast carcinomas is associated with an unfavourable clinical course and EGFR expression has a synergistic effect. However, c‐erbB‐4 antagonizes the c‐erbB‐2 effect on clinical course in breast carcinomas. To achieve best results with immunotherapy against the c‐erbB‐2 receptor, clarifying the status of c‐erbB‐4 expression may be of significance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.