Amplification of CCND1, EMS1, PIK3CA, and ERBB Oncogenes in Ethmoid Sinus Adenocarcinomas

OBJECTIVE: Assess the amplification of CCND1, EMS1, PIK3CA, ERBB1, and ERBB2 oncogenes in ethmoid sinus adenocarcinomas.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Tissue samples from 13 primary ethmoid adenocarcinomas and 2 recurrences were studied at Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain, between July 1998 and February 2002. A semiquantitative evaluation of CCND1, EMS1, PIK3CA, ERBB1, and ERBB2 amplification was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: Three (23%) cases presented CCND1 amplification, one of them with a concurrent PIK3CA amplification. EMS1 was amplified in the 2 studied recurrences. ERBB1 was amplified in 1 case (8%), whereas none presented ERBB2 amplification. Oncogenic amplifications were only detected in advanced (stage III) tumors; however, no prognostic value could be shown for them.CONCLUSIONS: CCND1, EMS1, PIK3CA, and ERBB1 amplifications are uncommon and appear to be late events in the development of ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma.SIGNIFICANCE: New information on the carcinog...