Clinicopathological study of colorectal carcinomas and evaluation of HER-2/neu overexpression

Authors: Aditya Anandkumar Mundra

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijpo.12242.1869067972

Keywords: Colorectal carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma NOS, Immunohistochemistry, HER-2/neu

Abstract: Aim & Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the overexpression of HER-2/neu in colorectal carcinomas and its association with various clinic-pathological parameters like age, sex, location, histological type, histological grade and pathological stage. Introduction: Colorectal carcinoma is the third most common cancer worldwide and sixth most common cancer in India. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type and is commonly seen in males. HER-2/neu is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase (TK) receptor which when overexpressed allows acquisition of malignant properties. HER-2/neu antagonist like trastuzumab are known to have good response. Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to May 2024 in the Department of Oncopathology at Sri Ram Cancer and Superspeciality Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur. Specimens were received in 10%NBF, grossed and processed. Sections of 4-6 µm were taken, stained with hematoxylin and eosin to arrive at the primary diagnosis. Extra sections were taken on Poly-L-lysine coated slides to perform immunohistochemistry using the Ventanna benchmark automated machine. Findings were reported according to the CAP/ASCO HER2 Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma 2016 guidelines. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistics software. Results: 64 cases were included in the study of which 42 were males and 21 were females. Majority of the tumors were located in the rectum. The most common histological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma NOS. HER-2/neu overexpression was noted in 6 cases and a statistical significance of overexpression was noted with gender, tumor extent, pT stage and nodal metastasis. Conclusion. HER-2/neu overexpression was significantly seen in with males, tumors extending upto the serosa, pT4 stage tumors and lymph node metastasis.