Her-2/neu Status in Syrian Women with Breast Carcinoma: A Syrian Cohort Study of more than 10000 Cases

Abstract

Background: Her-2/neu is a member of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Her-2/neu is known to be overexpressed in 30% of breast cancers.Objective: the study is aimed at determining the prevalence of Her-2/neu overexpression in Syrian women diagnosed with breast cancer. Material and Methods:The study included 10355 Syrian women diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive carcinoma NOS) during the period between 2007 and 2012 at Al Bairouni university hospital in Damascus (SYRIA).Both Her-2 (++ and +++) were checked by FISH, [Hercep test (DAKO Inc)] to determine Her-2/neu gene status.Results and Discussion: 2013 patients were found to be Her-2 positive (+++) forming 19.4% of the studied group, 2000 (19.3%) were (++) equivocal. On the other hand, 62% of patients were Her-2 negative (0 and 1+) scores. A further investigation of the positive and equivocal groups was performed by FISH showing positive results as follows: 1815/2013 of the (3+ patients) and 1143/2000 of the (2+ patients) respectively. In other word 57% of the (++) group were found to be FISH positive versus 9% negative FISH results in the (+++) group. Conclusions:The prevalence of Her-2/neu in Syrian women having breast cancer in this study is 28.5%. The study reflects the distribution of real Her-2/neu gene expression among the Syrian women since Her-2 amplification was detected by FISH in both ++ and +++ groups.