Association between HER-2/Neu overexpression in gastric adenocarcinoma and histopathologic features of tumor in gastrectomy samples: a cross-sectional study in Kerman, Iran

Background:In tumoral cells, the HER-2/Neu is an oncogene and overexpression would result in further membranous proteins. The role of this gene is known in ling and breast cancers. This study was undertaken to determine the HER-2/Neu overexpression in gastrectomy samples in patients with gastric cancer and its association with tumor histopathology prognostic factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 48 samples of gastric cancer under gastrectomy. The slides were prepared to assess HER-2/Neu stained by IHC method (Biogenax Kit and DAOK criteria). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 20.0. Results: Out of 48 cases, 79.2% were males. The mean age was 59.93 ± 13.95 years and the mean tumor size was 5.5 ± 2.45 cm. Majority of cases were in anthrum and pylor (43.8%). Lauren class showed a higher frequency of intestinal type (72.9%). In surgery the majority of cases were found to be in T3 stage (87.5%). Her-2/Neu was positive in 10.4% of cases and it was negative in 89.6% of cases. Despite the higher rate of tumors with further expression of HER-2/Neu in those with a size over 5 cm and with vascular invasion, there was no significant association between Her-2/Neu and other variables (P > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, overexpression of HER-2/Neu in gastric cancer is low (10.4%) and there is no significant association with other variables. It is suggested that further similar studies with a larger sample size be carried out to definitely determine the association between this marker and prognostic factors.