HER2 Receptor Overexpression in Gastric Adenocarcinoma A Study about a Sampling of 50 Cases in Dakar

Abstract

ntroduction: HER2 receptor overexpression in gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GOJ) adenocarcinoma is a factor of poor prognosis detected in 7 to 34% of gastric and GOJ adenocarcinomas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the overexpression of the HER2 receptor in gastric adenocarcinomas in Dakar, and to investigate the correlation between HER2 overexpression and clinicopathological parameters. Patients and method: This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study that was conducted over a one - year period; from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017. It involves 50 cases of gastric or GOJ adenocarcinomas histologically confirmed on biopsy samplings, collected within pathological anatomy and cytology services in Dakar (HALD a nd HOGGY). The study of HER2 receptor overexpression was performed on tumor samples put in buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin using the immunohistochemical method. Results: The average age was 58.18 ± 14.6 years. A male predominance was observed, w ith a gender ratio of 1.27. Tumors were ulcero budding in 76% of cases. They were found at the gastric level in 92% of the surveyed cases, and at the gastroesophageal junction in 8% of them. Adenocarcinomas were of tubulous type in 76% of cases, and they w ere markedly differentiated in 54% of cases. At immunohistochemical study, the positivity rate of the HER2 was 8% out of the 50 cases that were tested. There was no correlation between HER2 overexpression and those clinicopathological parameters . Con clusion: HER2 is a factor of poor prognosis but it is also a therapeutic response factor to anti - HER2s. Assessment of the HER2 status should be systematic in all cases of gastric adenocarcinoma; and it requires a multidisciplinary approach.