LEVEL OF C-ERBB2 IN SERUM AND SALIVA OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

C-erbB2 used as a marker for determining treatment and prognosis of breast cancer. The most often method used to evaluate c-erbB2 in tissue samples is by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Another method to evaluate c-erbB2 is measure the level of ECD (extra cellular domain) c-erbB2 were detached from the cell surface in serum and saliva. Saliva is used as a diagnostic tool because it can be collected noninvasive, easy. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of c-erbB2 in serum and saliva breast cancer patients compared to controls and to assess the possibility of the use of saliva as an alternative sample examination biomarker. The study using cross sectional design, implemented at Dharmais hospital of April-December 2012. The sample consisted of 55 subject of cancer patients and 56 controls. Specimens were taken from both groups, levels of c-erbB2 serum and saliva were measured by ELISA (cut off value >= 30 ng/ml) and the results compared to c-erbB2 IHC. Serum and salivary level of c-erbB2 increased at 10,9% and 7,3% of breast cancer patients. The levels of c-erbB2 in serum and saliva patients was higher than controls. Salivary levels of c-erbB2 correlated with serum (r=0.31). Sensitivity of serum c-erbB2 38% and 13% for saliva, spesivicity of 91% for both. PPV 50% and NPV 86% at serum, PPV 25% and NPV 82% at saliva. C-erbB2 can be detected in the serum and saliva and its overexpressed in 7-11% of breast cancer patients. Saliva may have potensial use as an alternative sample examination biomarkers in breast cancer.