Objective: To explore expression of ErbB3 and ErbB4 genes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas and their relation with the biological and clinicopathological parameters.
Method: Expression of ErbB3 and ErbB4 mRNA in 36 cases of laryngeal carcinomas and normal mucosa of incisal margin, 11 cases of benign proliferative lesions were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Result: In laryngeal carcinomas and benign proliferative lesions, over-expressive positive ratios of ErbB3 were 66.7%, 18.2% respectively (P < 0.01). However, that of ErbB4 were 25.0%, 9.1% respectively (P > 0.05). Differences of expressive level of ErbB3 and ErbB4 were not significant between laryngeal carcinoma and normal mucous of incisal margin (P > 0.05). In addition, expressive level of ErbB3 and ErbB4 were not associated with diversity of clinical pathologic characters (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: ErbB3 and ErbB4 genes play different role in carcinogenesis and development, and relate to the reoccurrence of carcinoma.