HER-2/neu expression in lesions of uterine cervix: is it reliable and consistent?

This study was conducted to evaluate the expression of HER-2/neu oncogene in the lesions of the uterine cervix and to determine its correlation with histological type of malignancy, grade and clinical stage of presentation. One hundred cervical specimens were included in this study. These comprised cases with diagnosis of benign epithelial lesions, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinoma cervix with glandular differentiation and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. HER-2/neu immunostaining was performed by streptovidin-biotin peroxidase method. Higher expression of HER-2/neu was noted in malignant lesions as compared to benign lesions. Intensity of staining also correlated with clinical stage of presentation, lymph node metastasis and presence of parametrial extension. The over-expression of HER-2 oncoprotein is associated with poor prognosis, metastatic potential and aggressive biological behavior.