HER2/neu Oncoprotein Overexpression in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Evaluation of its Prevalence and Prognostic Significance

Vol. 68, No. 2-3, 2005

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Laboratory/Clinical Translational Research

HER2/neu Oncoprotein Overexpression in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Evaluation of its Prevalence and Prognostic Significance
Clinical Study
Elena Verri^a, Pamela Guglielmini^a, Matteo Puntoni^a, Luisa Perdelli^b, Andrea Papadia^c, Paola Lorenzi^c, Alessandra Rubagotti^a, Nicola Ragni^c, Francesco Boccardo^a

^aAcademic Department of Medical Oncology and
^bDepartment of Pathology, National Cancer Research Institute, Genoa,
^cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

Address of Corresponding Author

Oncology 2005;68:154-161 (DOI: 10.1159/000086958)

Key Words

HER2/neu
Ovarian carcinoma
Immunohistochemistry
Survival

Abstract

Introduction: The HER2/neu proto-oncogene encodes a transmembrane receptor protein involved in the development and progression of the majority of cancers. Prior studies have shown that HER2/neu oncogene is overexpressed in approximately 15-30% of ovarian carcinomas. However findings regarding the overexpression and prognosis are still conflicting. Methods: Our retrospective study was performed on 194 ovarian carcinoma tissues obtained at the time of first surgery. The staining procedure for HER2/neu overexpression was performed using a polyclonal antibody. Results: HER2/neu overexpression was found in 53 out of 194 (27.3%) investigated cases of which 26 (13.4%) carcinomas were weakly positive (score 1+) and 27 (13.9%) moderately (score 2+) to intensely positive (score 3+). No significant relationship was found between HER2/neu score and main clinical and pathological features. Significant difference in overall survival was evident between negative women (0/1+) and positive women (2+/3+): 48 and 29 months, respectively (p = 0.04). In multivariate analysis HER2/neu overexpression appeared to be the only variable significantly correlated with progression and death. CA125 normalization at 3 and 6 months appeared a strong predictor of progression and survival. Conclusion: In this study HER2/neu overexpression was associated with an increased risk of progression and death, especially among women with FIGO Stage I and II ovarian carcinoma.

Author Contacts

Prof. Francesco Boccardo, MD
Professorial Unit of Medical Oncology
University and National Cancer Research Institute
Largo R. Benzi 10, IT-16132 Genoa (Italy)
Tel. +39 0105600503, Fax +39 010352753, E-Mail francesco.boccardo@istge.it

Article Information

Received: February 4, 2004
Accepted after revision: June 4, 2004
Published online: July 11, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 27

Medline Abstract (ID 16020953)

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