Publication:

An observational study on the incidence of HER-2/neu receptor over-expression and comparison of clinical presentation between HER-2/neu positive and HER-2/neu negative breast cancer

Background Tumours that over express HER2/neu are less responsive to chemotherapy and patients with these tumours have a reduced survival compared with patients with normal levels of HER2/neu. The aim was to determine the frequency of HER-2/neu receptor over-expression in Breast cancer patients and its comparison to Her-2/neu negative breast cancer in respect to clinical presentation, risk factors, clinical staging, pathological staging.

Methods 50 patients who presented with Invasive ductal carcinoma of breast, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. They were divided into two groups; according to Her-2/neu receptor over-expression (Yes/No).Incidence of Her-2-neu receptor over-expression was determined among the sample population. Both groups were compared on the basis of various parameters.

Results Young age at presentation, negative hormone receptor status (ER/PR), high grade of tumour, large sized tumour and increased axillary lymph nodes are more common in Her-2/neu over-expression patients. These parameters are statistically significant.

Conclusions Her-2/neu overexpressing breast cancers have increased invasive and metastatic capability and are less responsive to chemotherapy. They have increased risk of recurrence and patients with these tumours have a reduced survival compared with patients with normal levels of HER2/neu.