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Background. The human epidermal growth factor receptor complex (EGFR-1, HER2, HER3 and HER4) plays an important role in pathogenesis of solid tumours. We have previously reported high expression of HER3 in 70% of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and that high expression were linked to a worse clinical outcome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the HER3 expression in primary CRC and metastases. Material and methods. Tissue samples from primary CRC, corresponding lymph node metastases and liver metastases from 107 patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Results. Of 107 patients, 80% showed high HER3 expression in primary CRC tumours and 81% of the stage III patients presented high expression in the lymph node metastases. All patients had liver metastases and 82% presented high HER3 expression. HER3 expression in primary tumour correlated with expression in the corresponding lymph node metastases (r ϭ 0.65, p Ͻ 0.001) and in the liver metastases (r ϭ 0.45, p Ͻ 0.001). A correlation between HER3 expression in corresponding lymph node and liver metastases (r ϭ 0.65, p Ͻ 0.001) was seen. Conclusion. High HER3 expression is seen in about 80% of primary CRC, corresponding lymph node metastases and liver metastases. There is a correlation between HER3 expression in primary tumour and metastases in CRC.

Background. Cervical carcinoma is the only gynecological tumor still being staged mainly by clinical examination and only a limited use of diagnostic radiology. Cross sectional imaging is increasingly used as an aid in the staging procedure. We wanted to assess the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to the clinical staging of patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Material and methods. A retrospective single-centre analysis of 183 women referred to a tertiary referral centre for gynecological tumors (Յ 65 years old) with cervical cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2006 who have undergone an MRI investigation before start of treatment. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed and any change of the planned treatment after the MRI examination was noted. Results. In patients with cervical carcinoma FIGO stage Ia2-IIa treated surgically, the treatment plan was altered due to MRI results in 10/125 patients. In the smaller group of patients with clinically more advanced disease receiving radio-chemotherapy, the treatment plan was altered in 12/58 patients. Reasons for changing the treatment plan after MRI were fi ndings indicating a higher (n ϭ 8) or lower (n ϭ 5) local tumor stage, fi ndings of para aortic nodal disease (n ϭ 4) or diffi culty to clinically examine the patient due to obesity (n ϭ 2). MRI was also an aid in deciding whether or not to offer fertility preserving treatment in three cases. Conclusion. The use of MRI affects treatment planning in patients with cancer of the uterine cervix. The impact is more obvious in more advanced stages of disease and in patients who are diffi cult to examine clinically due to, for example body constitution. The result of MRI is also an aid in deciding whether or not a fertility preserving operation is feasible.