The altered expression of C erbB 2\, PCNA and p16 in salivary tumors and its clinicopathologic significance

Objective: To study the altered expression of C erbB 2\, PCNA and p16 in human salivary tumors related to the biopathology and clinical sigificance. Methods: Express of C erbB 2\, PCNA and p16 in salivary malignant tumors (30), pleomorphic adenomas (31) and non tumor tissues (14) was detected by immunohistochemistry (LSAB). Results: The positive frequency of C erbB 2, PCNA and p16 in salivary maligant tumor was 76.7%, 86.7% and 80.0% revealing more higher than in pleomorphic adenomas (38.7%, 71.0% and 77.4%) and non tumor tissues (50.0%, 64.3% and 85.7%) except p16, respectively. However, only C erbB 2 expression showed a statistic signifisance (P0.05). Among them no association of expression of C erbB 2, PCNA and p16 either in malignant or benign lesions was found. Conclusions: (1) Detection of C erbB 2, PCNA and p16 alteration may offer some molecular index for the early diagnosis, clinical therapy of salivary malignant and benign tumors. (2) C erbB 2 overexpression may involve a maligant transformation of benign lesions.