Association between HER-2/neu over-expression and clinico-pathologic parameters of breast cancer in northern Malaysia

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women world wide. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer related mortality in Asian countries. Management of breast cancer depends on several tumour-related and patient related factors. HER-2/neu over-expression has been associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer. We assessed HER-2/neu over expression pattern in unselected breast cancer cases in terms of clinico-pathologic parameters to identify any associations between them.

Two hundred cases of breast cancer were evaluated at Advanced Medical and Dental Institute and Hospital Kepala Batas from 2002 to 2007. HER-2/neu status was confirmed in breast cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical expression of HER-2/neu was evaluated according to the published scoring guidelines of the 'Hercep Test' (Dako, Carpinteria, CA). Data were analysed to identify any association between HER-2/neu and clinico-pathologic parameters.

HER-2/neu over expression was found in 63 (31.5%) tumours out of 200. When assessed for various age groups no significant association was found. However, a high percentage (75%) of over-expression was noted in the 81-85 years age group. No association was found with different racial groups (Malay, Chinese and Indians), with lymph node status or with grade of tumour. However a positive association was observed with oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression.

There was no association between HER-2/neu over expression and age, race, lymph node status or tumor grade. However a positive association was found with oestrogen and progesterone receptor status.