Implication of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) over expression in treatment of breast cancer in developing countries—report on 250 cases from Bangladesh

Abstract

14139 Background: Carcinoma breast is the second most common malignancy in Bangladeshi women. Though HER-2 over expression has profound effect on prognosis of breast cancer, no published data is available about this among Bangladeshi patients. Our aim in this study was to see HER-2 status in Bangladeshi patients, and their relation with other prognostic parameters. Implication of this molecular marker in management of breast cancer in poor country like ours remains controversial, keeping in mind the exorbitantly high cost of Trastuzumab. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Oncology at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital Bangladesh, from January 2003 to December 2006. Total 250 women with breast carcinoma were enrolled; biopsy specimens were tested by immunohistochemistry to detect HER-2 status. For recommending treatment with Trastuzumab, patients with 3+ immunohistochemistry results were considered HER-2 positive. Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) testing facility was not available. These findings were correlated with age, ER/PR and nodal status. The practical application of marker in terms of use of Trastuzumab was analyzed. Results: Age of patients ranged from 19.75 years to 72 years, mean age was 49.75 years. HER-2 was over expressed in 38.4 % (96) cases and their mean age was 42.92 years compared to 47.61 years in HER-2 negative cases. HER-2 positive cases tended to have higher rates of lymph node metastases (44 out of 96) compared to HER-2 negative (46 out of 154) cases (45.8 % vs 29.87 %). ER/PR was positive in 64 % cases. HER-2 over expression was inversely related to ER / PR expression. Of the HER-2 positive cases, 11.45 % (11 out of 96) afforded treatment with Trastuzumab. Conclusions: HER-2 is over expressed in almost 38 % of breast carcinoma patients in Bangladesh. This expression is associated with relatively young age, lymph node metastasis and lack of ER / PR expression. Only 11.45 % of patients with HER-2 over expression afforded Trastuzumab though 38 % of cases over expressed HER-2. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Evaluation of Her-2/NEU Expression in Cell Block Preparation in Breast Carcinoma In Bangladeshi Woman

“…This finding is consistent with American Society of Clinical Oncology and the College of American Pathologists ((ASCO/CAP) guidelines which estimated that the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) gene is amplified and/or over expressed in approximately15% to 20% of primary breast cancers 6 . Previously in this country Hossain et alfoundHER-2 over expression in 38.4 % (96/250) cases and Mostafa et alin 28.4% (95/335) cases 8,9 . In IndiaShirsat et alfound 25.58% positive cases 10 .…”