Expression of HER2/neu, estrogen and progesterone receptors, CA 125 and CA19-9 on cancer cell membrane in patients with serous and mucinous carcinoma of the ovary.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To examine the expression of the membrane markers of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), CA-125, CA 19-9 and HER2/neu in ovarian cancer tissues.

METHODS:

Fifty-four samples of ovarian cancer tissues originating from 55 patients were examined by immunohistochemistry. Forty-three had serous papillary ovarian cancer, 9 of which were grade I, 12 grade II and 2 grade III. Twelve patients had a classic mucinous ovarian cancer, 5 of which were grade I, 4 grade II and 0 grade III.

RESULTS:

Out of 43 patients with serous ovarian cancer, 7 expressed both steroid receptors, 22 had only one (10 ER and 12 PR), while 14 were negative. Only 2/12 patients with classic mucinous ovarian cancer expressed of both receptors. CA-125 was expressed in 37/43 patients with serous ovarian cancer and in 4/12 patients with classic mucinous ovarian cancer. CA 19-9 was expressed in 3/43 patients with serous ovarian cancer, and coexpressed with CA-125 in 2/3 patients. In patients with classic mucinous ovarian cancer, 4/12 had expression of CA 19-9 without coexpression with CA-125. HER2/neu positivity (3+) was proven in only one case with classic mucinous ovarian cancer, and any other expression (1+) in 7 additional patients (1 mucinous and 6 serous ovarian cancers).

CONCLUSION:

Positive HER2/neu expression in the cells of ovarian cancer is very rare and HER2/neu overexpression is even rarer. Expression of ER and PR does not depend on tumor grade and/or at least not in grade I and II. Positive CA 19-9 expression may be present not only in cases of classic mucinous ovarian cancer but also in typical serous ovarian cancer. However, in the classic mucinous ovarian cancer, CA-125 may be expressed, though in relatively low percentage.

• Authors: A Karaferic, D Jovanovic, S Jelic
• Journal: Journal of B.U.ON. : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology (J BUON) 2009 Oct-Dec Vol. 14 Issue 4 Pg. 635-9 ISSN: 1107-0625 [Print] Cyprus
• PMID: 20148455 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• CA-125 Antigen
• CA-19-9 Antigen
• Receptors, Estrogen
• Receptors, Progesterone
• Receptor, ErbB-2

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous (metabolism, pathology)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (metabolism)
• CA-125 Antigen (metabolism)
• CA-19-9 Antigen (metabolism)
• Cell Membrane (metabolism)
• Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous (metabolism, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Neoplasm Staging
• Ovarian Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology)
• Prognosis
• Receptor, ErbB-2 (metabolism)
• Receptors, Estrogen (metabolism)
• Receptors, Progesterone (metabolism)