Possible prognostic significance of Her-2/neu, estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Most of thyroid carcinomas are of papillary type. Gender difference in incidence suggests that such tumor might be influenced by sex hormones. HER 2/neu is known to play a role in different tumor types. Aim: This study aimed at assessing immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors (PRs), androgen receptors (ARs) and Her 2/neu receptors in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and its correlation with clinic-pathological parameters. Methods: This retrospective study included 42 cases of PTC. Clinicpathological data were revised with calculation of overall survival (OS) and diseasefree survival (DFS). Immunohistochemical staining for ERs, PRs, ARs and HER 2/neu were performed and interpreted in double blind by two expert pathologists. Results: PRs expression was significantly associated with existence of residual activity in the post-operative whole-body iodine scan (P=0.03). Meanwhile, ERs and ARs expression were insignificantly correlated with patients' clinic-pathologic features. HER-2/neu expression was significantly associated with tumor size (P=.04), extrathyroid extension (P=0.003) and nodal recurrence (p=0.009). Logistic regression analysis confirmed a significant effect of HER2 expression as independent predictor of nodal recurrence (P=0.017). Significant difference between HER2 positive and HER2 negative cases regarding DFS and OAS was found. Conclusion: PRs and HER-2/neu, but not ERs and Ars, expression was associated with tumor aggression.. Larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm these observations that could define high risk group of patients with nodal recurrence, and the value of hormonal therapy.