Over-expression of HER-2 is associated with the stage in carcinomas of the urinary bladder

BACKGROUND The frequency of over-expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) in bladder cancer is one of the highest among all human malignancies. This over-expression is thought to play a role in aberrant proliferation of cancer cells. Studies on HER-2 expression in bladder carcinoma have shown heterogeneous results. PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the status of HER-2 protein expression in patients with invasive carcinomas of the urinary bladder as related to tumor grade and stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Archival samples from 39 patients (6 women, 33 males) with urinary bladder cancer were analyzed for HER-2 over-expression, using immunohistochemistry with the HercepTest. RESULTS HER-2 over-expression was observed in 23/39 tumors (59%) and was more frequent in high-grade than in low-grade carcinomas, but the difference was not statistically significant. A significant correlation was established between HER-2 over-expression and tumor stage (p=0.011). HER-2 expression was more frequent in transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) and adenocarcinomas (AC) as compared with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Patients' age and sex were not related to HER-2 over-expression. CONCLUSION Over-expression of HER-2 was frequent in carcinomas of the urinary bladder. Knowing the HER-2 status would be helpful in formulating a rational treatment strategy for patients with urinary bladder cancer.