Serum HER2 Level in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Introduction: The proto-oncogene HER2 plays a key role in the control ofcellular proliferation. Its overexpression has been reported to be associated with apoor prognosis in cancer, particularly in breast cancer. Materials and Methods:In the present study, serum HER2 levels wereinvestigated in patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. Serum HER2levels were detected by an ELISAcommercial kit in 51 patients and 33 healthyindividuals. Results: The mean serum HER2 level was found to be significantly higher inpatients than healthy controls (P=0.005). In 29% of patients, serum HER2 levels werehigher than the cut-off value. HER2 serum level was not associated with tumor stageat diagnosis. Conclusion:Elevation of HER2 in a high proportion of patients with epithelialovarian cancer further strengthens the importance of this molecule in the pathogenesisof ovarian cance