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Expression of HER-2/neu oncogene in normal, hyperplastic, and malignant endometrium
1Department of Pathology, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville 32209, USA.
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|July 1, 1998
Summary
HER-2/neu oncogene expression varies in endometrial tissues. Higher expression correlates with increased tumor grade and poorer survival in endometrial cancer patients, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gynecologic Pathology
Background:
- The HER-2/neu oncogene plays a role in various human cancers.
- Understanding its expression in endometrial pathology is crucial for diagnosis and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of the HER-2/neu oncogene in normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic endometrial tissues.
- To correlate HER-2/neu expression with clinicopathological features and patient survival in endometrial adenocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded endometrial tissue sections from 146 patients.
- Expression levels were assessed and correlated with surgical stage, histologic grade, and overall survival.
Main Results:
- HER-2/neu oncogene expression was observed in normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic endometrial cells, showing heterogeneous patterns.
- Overexpression of HER-2/neu significantly increased with higher tumor histologic grades (p = 0.030).
- A significant correlation was found between HER-2/neu expression levels and poorer overall survival (p = 0.025).
Conclusions:
- HER-2/neu oncogene is expressed variably in normal and hyperplastic endometrium.
- Increased HER-2/neu expression is associated with higher-grade endometrial lesions and reduced patient survival.
- HER-2/neu oncogene assessment may serve as a valuable prognostic indicator in endometrial cancer.