Objective: To compare the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) under different scoring systems in gastroesophageal cancer and its relationship with clinicopathological features.
Methods: Clinicopathological data were retrospectively reviewed of 127 patients with gastroesophageal cancer between January and December 2009 in the Department of Surgery at the Cancer Hospital of Peking University. Tumor specimens were collected. The expression of HER2 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: HER2 positive rate(++/+++) in gastroesophageal cancer was 15.0%(19/127) with both new and traditional immunohistochemical scoring systems, while HER2 strong positive rate(+++) was 10.2%(13/127) and 6.3%(8/127), respectively(P=0.26). Univariate analysis showed that the expression rate of HER2 protein was associated with differentiation and Lauren classification of the tumor. Multivariable analysis showed that TNM staging and tumor differentiation were independently associated with the expression of HER2 protein(both P<0.05).
Conclusions: There is no change in HER2 positive rate in gastroesophageal cancer between the new and traditional immunohistochemical scoring systems. Expression of HER2 is associated with clinicopathological features in the gastroesophageal cancer.