Correlation of Lauren’s histological type and expression of E-cadherin and HER-2/neu in gastric adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: To evaluate whether a proven association between clinicopathological features and expression of molecular markers could provide a clue towards the relevance of these markers in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC).Aims: The present study aimed to find any relation between immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and HER-2/neu proteins, and Lauren’s histological type and stages of GAC. Materials and Methods: 100 cases of primary GAC diagnosed on biopsy or gastrectomy were included in the study. Immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and HER-2/neu was studied with respect to site, Lauren’s histological type, and stages of GAC.Results: A total of 11 cases showed a loss of E-cadherin expression and 17 cases overexpressed HER-2/neu. Loss of E-cadherin was seen in 26% of Lauren’s diffuse type, but only in 5.7% of intestinal GAC (P=0.014). While 35% of the GAC present at greater curvature showed HER-2/neu overexpression, whereas 16% at antro-pyloric region and none at lesser curvature showed HER-2/neu overexpression (P=0.04). All of the 17 HER-2/neu overexpressing GAC were Lauren’s intestinal type (P=0.012). Conclusions: Loss of E-cadherin and HER-2/neu overexpression are associated with Lauren’s diffuse and intestinal type respectively. Anti-HER-2/neu monoclonal antibody therapy would be helpful in approximately one-fifth of gastric adenocarcinoma patients.