engleski

COMPARISON OF HER-2/neu BREAST CARCINOMA STATUS BETWEEN POŽEGA COUNTY AND ZAGREB

INTRODUCTION: HER-2/neu oncogen is located on chromosome 17q and encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein with intracellular tyrosine kinase activity. The HER-2/neu gene amplification or protein overexpression has been associated with a more aggressive breast tumor biology and the resistance to some types of chemotherapy. HER-2/neu overexpression is correlated with shorter disease-free and overall survival. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare immunohistochemically determined HER-2/neu status of breast cancer patients in two Croatian regions (Požega and Zagreb). We analyzed data covering a 3- year period, between 2003 and 2005. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for HER-2/neu (DAKO, Copenhagen, Denmark ; donated by Roche d.o.o. Zagreb) was performed using labeled streptavidin biotin method (LSAB) visualization system on Dako Tech Mate automatic immunostainer with microwave streptavidin immunoperoxidasa-MSIP protocol. Semiquantification was performed using guidelines for scoring Hercep test by Dako. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry was performed on 106 patients in Departments of the General Hospital Požega, and on 258 patients in Ljudevit Jurak Department of Pathology, University Hospital Sestre milosrdnice (Figure 1, 2). The results of HER-2/neu testing in Požega County were: HER-2/neu score 0 in 61 patients ; 1+ in 18 patients ; 2+ in 15 patients and 3+ in 12 patients. Zagreb results were: HER-2/neu score 0 in 164 patients ; 1+ in 40 patients ; 2+ in 15 patients and 3+ in 39 patients. The average age of HER-2/neu 3+ patients was 55.1 years in Požega County and 58.7 in Zagreb (Figure 3, 4). CONCLUSION: HER-2/neu is a well established prognostic factor for breast cancer patients. Our results revealed that both groups of primary breast cancer (from Požega County and Zagreb) showed similar HER-2/neu distribution. There were no regional variations in HER-2/neu status distribution in breast cancer patients of two Croatian regions. Evaluation of HER-2/neu status in combination with other prognostic parameters should help in determination of breast cancer prognosis and therapy. HER 2 over-expression provides a new target in breast cancer therapy with development of monoclonal antibody targeted against HER 2- trastuzumab (Herceptin&reg ; ; ).

HER-2/neu breast carcinoma; comparison

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