Biochemical, pathological and genetical studies for HER-2/neu oncogene in cancer breast patients

ABSTRACT

Breast carcinoma ranks as first malignancy affecting females, contributing 33% of all female cancers. The C-erbB-2 is a class of oncogenes prevalent in breast cancer that play a role in cancer development. This research was performed to assess HER-2/neu oncogene amplification by semi-quantitative PCR technology, and HER-2/neu expression using immunohistochemical [IHC] staining. Electron microscopy made a contribution to the final diagnosis in the only case of invasive duct carcinoma. HER-2/neu gene amplification positive by PCR was detected in 40% of invasive duct breast cancer and showed a significant correlation between HER-2/neu gene amplification by PCR and HER-2/neu gene expression by IHC. Breast tumor specimens from 20 patients invasive duct carcinoma were studied; 10 without radiotherapy treatment and 10 after radiotherapy treatment. The study revealed a significant increase in chromosomal breaks and chromosomal rearrangements in breast cancer patients. There are also increases in chromosomal aberrations in patients received radiotherapy compared with patients not received radiotherapy. Cytogenetic study could be used as a prognostic factor in some breast cancer cases