Expression of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Her 2/neu) and Proliferative Marker Ki-67 Association with Clinicopathological Parameters in Gallbladder Carcinoma

Purpose To evaluate the expression of Her2/neu and Ki-67 in benign and malignant gallbladder lesions, and to establish correlations with clinico-pathologic parameters. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on formalin xed paraf n embedded (FFPE) benign (n25) and malignant gallbladder (n25) tissue samples. Hematoxylin and eosin stained slides of each case were reviewed for type of malignancy (whether adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or any other type), grade (well, moderate, and poor), depth of invasion, pre-neoplastic changes in adjacent mucosal epithelium like metaplasia and dysplasia. Immunohistochemistry for Her 2 neu and Ki-67 was performed and data analysis was conducted using SPSS 17 software. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical/dichotomous variables. P value of 0.05 was considered signi cant. Results The difference of Her 2 neu expression and Ki67 index between benign and malignant groups was found to be statistically signi cant. Her2/neu positivity did not have any signi cant correlation with various clinicopathological parameters other than liver involvement. 5 cases of gallbladder cancer showed both Her2/neu and Ki67 positivity. Ten cases were Ki67 positive but Her2/neu negative while one case was Her2/neu positive but Ki67 negative. Conclusions The present study demonstrated overexpression of Her2/neu and Ki67 in gallbladder cancer. A trend of decreasing Her2/neu expression with increasing grade of tumor was observed. Furthermore, greater Ki67 positivity was found in cases with lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Future studies with a larger number of patients will be required to precisely de ne the correlation of Her2/neu expression and Ki67 positivity with clinicopathological parameters. The results however are encouraging and suggest evaluation of Her2/neu as a candidate for targeted therapy.