Expression of HER-2/neu biomarker in premalignant and malignant epithelial lesions of uterine cervix

Abstract

Background: Cervical malignancy is a serious global public health issue that affects women
and major cause of death in low and middle-income nations. Even when using cisplatin-based
combination therapy, individuals with severe or recurring illness have a poor prognosis,
Therefore, there is a growing need to identify new therapeutic targets that can supplement or replace the present treatment for these individuals.
Objectives: To study the expression of HER-2/neu biomarker in premalignant and malignant
epithelial lesions of uterine cervix and its correlation with general clinical parameters and
histological type, grade, and tumor stage.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 histologically diagnosed
cases of premalignant and malignant epithelial lesions of uterine cervix in 1 year. Detailed
gross and microscopic examination followed by HER-2/neu immunostaining was performed
in all cases.
Results: Out of 72 cases of cervical lesions, premalignant were 9 in number whereas 63 cases
were malignant. HER-2/neu expression was noted in 21 cases (29.2 %) out of 72 cases. Higher
HER-2/neu expression intensity (2+ and 3+) was seen in malignant lesions (17.5 %, n=11) than
in premalignant lesions (11.1 %, n=1). In comparison to well-differentiated SCC (n=2), the
percentage of lesions with higher expression (2+ and 3+ scores) was considerably higher in
poorly and moderately differentiated groups (n=8). HER-2/neu expression intensity increases
with the advancement of clinical stage of malignant cervical lesions.
Conclusion: Over-expression of HER-2/neu biomarker is associated with poor prognosis and
aggressive behavior of premalignant and malignant cervical lesions.