Serum HER۲ Level in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Introduction: The proto-oncogene HER۲ 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.Materials and Methods: In the present study, serum HER۲ levels were investigated in patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. Serum HER۲ levels were detected by an ELISA commercial kit in ۵۱ patients and ۳۳ healthy individuals.Results: The mean serum HER۲ level was found to be significantly higher in patients than healthy controls (P=۰.۰۰۵). In ۲۹% of patients, serum HER۲ levels were higher than the cut-off value. HER۲ serum level was not associated with tumor stage at diagnosis.Conclusion: Elevation of HER۲ in a high proportion of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer further strengthens the importance of this molecule in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer.