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A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Expression of HER-2/neu receptor protein in adrenal tumors
W Saeger1, M Fassnacht, M Reincke
1Institute of Pathology of the Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg, Germany. WolfgangSaeger.HH@t-online.de
Abstract:
The HER-2/neu protein is overexpressed in many human carcinomas obtained from different tissues and may represent a useful target for therapy with the commercially available monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (herceptin). Novel therapeutic options are needed for metastasized adrenocortical cancer. Therefore, we studied expression of the HER-2/neu cell surface receptor protein using three different antibodies in 12 adrenal adenomas, 17 adrenocortical carcinomas and 5 pheochromocytomas. Normal adrenals (n = 5) served as controls. One adenoma showed very weak membranous immunostaining with the Dako antibody, two others showed a nonspecific cytoplasmic staining pattern. A nonspecific reaction in the cytoplasm was demonstrable in seven carcinomas with the Novocastra antibody. In all pheochromocytomas, a granular intracytoplasmic and, rarely, slightly membranous immunostaining with the Dako antibody was found. From our data we conclude that specific and significant membranous immunostaining indicating strong overexpression (grade 3) of HER-2/neu protein is not present in adrenocortical tumors. The granular cytoplasmic immunostaining of the medulla may be helpful for differentiation of adrenocortical tumors from pheochromocytomas.
Insights
HER-2/neu protein overexpression is not found in adrenocortical tumors, limiting its use as a therapeutic target. However, specific immunostaining patterns may aid in differentiating adrenal tumors from pheochromocytomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- HER-2/neu protein overexpression is common in various carcinomas, making it a target for trastuzumab therapy.
- Metastatic adrenocortical cancer lacks effective novel therapeutic options.
- The role of HER-2/neu in adrenocortical tumors and pheochromocytomas requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of HER-2/neu protein in adrenocortical tumors and pheochromocytomas.
- To determine if HER-2/neu is a potential therapeutic target in adrenocortical cancer.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of HER-2/neu expression using three distinct antibodies.
- Study included 12 adrenal adenomas, 17 adrenocortical carcinomas, 5 pheochromocytomas, and 5 normal adrenal glands.
Main Results:
- No specific, significant membranous HER-2/neu overexpression (grade 3) was detected in adrenocortical tumors.
- Weak or nonspecific cytoplasmic staining was observed in some adenomas and carcinomas.
- Pheochromocytomas exhibited granular intracytoplasmic and rare membranous staining.
Conclusions:
- HER-2/neu protein is not a suitable therapeutic target for adrenocortical tumors due to lack of overexpression.
- Distinctive granular cytoplasmic immunostaining in pheochromocytomas can aid in differential diagnosis from adrenocortical tumors.
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