Association between Expression of Her-2/neu Gene and Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors and p53 Gene among Female with Primary Breast Cancer

Considering the importance of breast cancer, identifying the factors that may either directly or indirectly determine the final prognosis of afflicted patients is helpful in clinical decision making, clinical approach and treatment of disease. Determination, expression and evaluation of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor (Her-2/neu) and p53 gene are somehow effective in prognoses and treatment of the disease. The purpose of this study is to recognize if any relationship exists between Her-2/neu gene amplification and estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and p53 gene among female with breast cancer. This descriptive cross-sectional study is performed on 67 women with primary breast cancer whom were hospitalized at oncology ward in Emam Sajjad Hospital (Ramsar, Iran, 2001-2005). Data were gathered from participants medical records, based on Her2/neu gene amplification, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and p53 gene. Samples were evaluated by semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry method using Her-2/neu gene amplification kit, along with ER, PR and p53 gene amplification kits. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistic tests. It was revealed that 50.7% of studied cases had positive ER, whereas 43.3% were PR positive, 31.3% were p53-positive and 31.3% had positive Her-2/neu. Her-2/neu gene was amplified in 14.2% of ER/PR positive cases andin 66.7% of ER/PR negative subjects. Uusing Chi-square test it was revealed that there is statistically significant correlations between Her-2/neu expression and positive ER (p<0.030), positive PR (p<0.014), simultaneous expression of ER and PR (p<0.001), negative PR and ER expression(p<0.004) and positive family history for cancer (p<0.003), respectively. In addition, no correlation was found between Her-2/neu expression and p53 gene, age, menopause and marital age of patients. Regarding the significant correlation between Her-2/neu amplification and state of estrogen/progesterone receptors, and more significant correlation between Her-2/neu amplification and estrogen/progesterone receptor-negative tumors we can apply exclusive treatment modalities.