Classical gene amplifications in human breast cancer are not associated with distant solid metastases

Br J Cancer. 1997;76(6):784-7. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1997.462.

Abstract

To determine the relationship between breast cancer progression and gene amplification, we screened 62 distant metastases and 122 primary breast tumours for the amplification of the proto-oncogenes MYC and ERBB2 and the 11q13 chromosomal region. Surprisingly, solid metastases showed an absence of gene amplification. These results suggest that the amplification of the proto-oncogenes MYC and ERBB2 and the 11q13 chromosomal region seem to be involved mainly in the genesis of the primary breast tumour rather than its progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11
  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 3
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / genetics
  • Gene Amplification*
  • Genes, erbB-2*
  • Genes, mos
  • Genes, myc*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Pleural Effusion
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • FGF3 protein, human
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 3
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2