HER2 Over Expression in Malignant Palpable Breast Lumps of Pre and Postmenopausal Women Attending RICK.

Abstract

Back ground: Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) over expression in breast cancer is associated with poor outcome and decrease disease free survival (DFS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the over expression of HER2/neu among premenopausal and postmenopausal
females presented with malignant palpable breast lumps to Radio Isotope Center Khartoum (RICK).
Methods: The study was a case-control conducted among patients attending Radiation Isotopes Centre Khartoum (RICK). A total of 328 women were randomly selected. Data were collected by a pre coded, pre tested questionnaire. Tissue biopsies of breast lumps had been analyzed using immunohistochemical techniques for HERR-2/neu over expression and its relation to other prognostic factors was evaluated.
Results: HER-2/neu + vein first pregnancy at . 23 years, were 32 (41%) in the cases, 6 (35%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 21(44%) in the cases, 5 (38%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu + veexpression in relation to age at menarche . 12 years was
39 (51%) in the cases, 7(39%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 36 (56%) in the cases, 7 (45%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ vein relation to Body Mass Index > 29 kg/m2 showed 7 (37%) in the cases, 2 (33%) in the controls of premenopausal women
(x2=0.024), and 8(38%) in the cases, 2(40%) in the controls of postmenopausal women (x2=0.006). HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to history of abortion or miscarriage (ever) was found to be 21 (39%) in the cases, 4 (33%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 18 (44%) in the cases, 3 (33%) in the controls among postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to the history of breast cancer in a first degree relatives was 3 (25%) in the cases, 1(50%) in the
controls of premenopausal women, and 4 (22%) in the cases, 2 (28%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to the use of oral contraceptives was 3 (37%) in the cases, 1(50%) in the controls among premenopausal women, and 3 (27%) in the
cases, 1 (50%) in the controls of postmenopausal women.

Conclusion: The study confirmed an etiological association between HER2/neu+ve and HER2/neu . ve and age at first pregnancy . 23 years, age of menarche at . 12 years, abortion or miscarriage in premenopausal and postmenopausal Sudanese women, while an etiological association was confirmed between HER2/neu+ve and HER2/neu .ve, and BMI in premenopausal women, and the family history of cancer in pos menopausal women.

Keywords: Human Epidermal, Growth factor, Receptor