Evaluation of the Her-2/neu value in papillary thyroid carcinoma and its relation to histopathological prognostic findings

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is an important endocrine malignancy worldwide, including papillary carcinoma, which is responsible for more than 90 % of thyroid malignancies. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2/neu) overexpression plays a significant act in the development, progression, and invasion of various tumors through effects on the cell cycle, angiogenesis, cell movement, and apoptosis. Objective and methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study, using tissue samples from 53 patients who underwent lobectomy or total thyroidectomy between 2020 and 2022. For histopathological examination and to determine the pathological features of the tumor, tumor specimens were stained for immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against Her-2/neu. Results: In this study, Her-2/neu was expressed in 13.2 % of PTC patients and not expressed in normal thyroid tissue. No significant relationship was established between Her-2/neu expression and tumor histological subtype, as well as tumor size, sex, or tumor focality. Furthermore, there was no significant association between Her-2/neu expression and vascular invasion or extrathyroidal extension of the tumor. Conclusion: No significant Her-2/neu expression was observed in the malignant thyroid tissue. These findings raise questions about the value of Her-2/neu as a potential prognostic factor or target of a specific anticancer treatment for thyroid cancer.

Keywords

• Thyroid cancer
• Papillary thyroid carcinoma
• Her-2/neu
• Prognosis