Serum HER2 level in epithelial ovarian cancer

The proto-oncogene HER2 plays a key role in the control of cellular proliferation. Its overexpression has been reported to be associated with a poor prognosis in cancer, particularly in breast cancer. In the present study, serum HER2 levels were investigated in patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. Serum HER2 levels were detected by an ELISA commercial kit in 51 patients and 33 healthy individuals. The mean serum HER2 level was found to be significantly higher in patients than healthy controls [P=0.005]. In 29% of patients, serum HER2 levels were higher than the cut-off value. HER2 serum level was not associated with tumor stage at diagnosis. Elevation of HER2 in a high proportion of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer further strengthens the importance of this molecule in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer

efficacy of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in Asherman's syndrome

To determine the prevalence of Asherman's syndrome in the south of Iran and assess the safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in restoration of menstrual function and fertility, a prospective study was done from 1997 to 1999. Among 2300 couples with infertility referring to the infertility clinic of a Shiraz University hospital, 30 patients were proven to have Asherman's syndrome by diagnostic hysterosalpingography [HSG] and then hysteroscopy. The prevalence of this syndrome was 1.3%. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was performed in all 30 patients. Adhesion reformation postoperatively was absent in stage 1 patients, 15% in stage II and 66% in stage III. Normal menstrual flow was restored in all patients [100%], and 19 patients [63.3%] conceived after surgery that resulted in term infants in 15 patients [50%]. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is a safe and effective operation for restoring the normal menstrual pattern and fertility, and the severity of the adhesions appear to correlate best with the reproductive outcome