Lack of Elevated HER2/neu Expression in Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The role of the HER family in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) is not well-defined. Thisstudy was aimed to assess the frequency of HER2/neu overexpression in oral carcinogenesis. Materials and
Methods: Expression of HER2/neu oncoprotein in OSCCs (N=18), oral epithelial dysplasia (N=18) and normaloral mucosa (N= 18) was assessed by immunohistochemistry using a cerbB2 antibody kit.
Results: HER2/neuwas almost undetectable in normal oral mucosa and only 1/18 (0/05) of cases was positive. In oral epithelialdysplasia, 2/18 (11.1%) demonstrated staining, as did 3/18 OSCCs. Membrane staining was observed in allcases and there was no significant variation in frequency/intensity between normal oral mucosa / oral epithelialdysplasia and OSCCs (p>0/05).
Conclusions: Aberrant expression of HER2/neu apparently does not contributeto carcinogenesis in the oral epithelium. The lack of overexpression in OSCCs indicates that molecular targetingis not feasible for adjuvant treatment.

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