Pattern of HER-2 over expression in breast cancer in Oman and its prognostic significance

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2[HER2] over expression in invasive breast cancer is associated with a faster rate of tumour growth and poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of positive HER2 receptors in our patients and its impact on prognosis. Fifteen patients diagnosed to have invasive breast cancer were randomly chosen from patients that were treated in the department of oncology, Royal Hospital from 1991 to 2000. The expression of HER2/neu status was examined by using immunohistochemical-staining methods [Hercep test]. Between the HER2-positive and HER2-negative patients, the disease free period [DFP] and overall survival [OS] were compared. Thirteen of the studied 15 patients were females [87%] and 2 patients were males [13%]. An over expression of HER2/neu receptor protein occurred in 8 patients [53%]. There was no significant difference in term of prognostic factors between HER2-positive and HER2-negative patients. The DFP for patients who had HER2-positive receptors was was 42 months versus 10 months for patients with negative HER2 receptors [p=0.0530]. the OS for HER2 positive and negative receptors was 69 months and 15 months respectively [p=0.008]. High incidence of HER2 positive receptors was found among studied Omani patients. Breast cancer over expressing HER2/neu protein tends to have a poor prognosis with short DFP and OS

Gliosarcoma-Pathology and review of literature

Gliosarcoma is a rare primary brain tumour, estimated to constitute 2-8% of all glioblastomas. We present a case and review of the literature Gliosarcoma is composed of neoplastic glial cells mixed with sarcomatous elements. The distinction between glioblastoma and gliosarcoma is usually made at histopathological examination. These tumours have similar location sex, age distribution and median survivals