Expression of Her2/neu in Urothelial Neoplasms and its Association with Histopathological Prognostic Parameters

Bladder carcinoma is the second common malignancy of the urogenital system. Bladder malignancy encompasses 5.2% of all forms of cancer. According to study, Her2/neu expression can be considered as a prognostic clinical biomarker for bladder cancer. Target therapy using novel and recombinant chemodrugs such as transtuzumab can be applied in Her2/neu positive cases. Current study aimed to evaluate urothelial neoplasms incidence, to assess Her2/neu expression, and to compare its expression with prognostic factors.

The present study is a prospective study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Narayana Medical College and General Hospital, Nellore, India, for a period of 2 years from June 2019 to June 2021. All the urothelial neoplasm cases reported during the study period were included, and Her2/neu immunohistochemistry has been assessed for the cases.

Among 71 bladder specimens, 48 had urothelial carcinomas (54% of high grade and 46% of low grade), and 20 had benign neoplasms. Among high-grade carcinomas, 91% were muscle invasive and among low grade, 55% were non-muscle invasive. Lateral wall is the common site of urothelial carcinoma. The mean age for high-grade carcinomas was 61-70 years, and it was associated with higher grades and stages of the tumor. In high grade and low-grade carcinomas, males outnumbered females. A significant correlation observed between tumor grade and stage. A significant association was found between Her2/neu overexpression with the grade and size of the tumor. No association was found between Her2/neu expression and age, gender, stage, and invasion.

It is concluded that identifying the expression of Her2/neu in urothelial carcinoma can help identify eligible candidates for targeted therapy.