PURPOSE

To examine the expression of the membrane markers of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), CA-125, CA 19-9 and HER2/neu in ovarian cancer tissues.

METHODS

Fifty-four samples of ovarian cancer tissues originating from 55 patients were examined by immunohistochemistry. Forty-three had serous papillary ovarian cancer, 9 of which were grade I, 12 grade II and 2 grade III. Twelve patients had a classic mucinous ovarian cancer, 5 of which were grade I, 4 grade II and 0 grade III.

RESULTS

Out of 43 patients with serous ovarian cancer, 7 expressed both steroid receptors, 22 had only one (10 ER and 12 PR), while 14 were negative. Only 2/12 patients with classic mucinous ovarian cancer expressed of both receptors. CA-125 was expressed in 37/43 patients with serous ovarian cancer and in 4/12 patients with classic mucinous ovarian cancer. CA 19-9 was expressed in 3/43 patients with serous ovarian cancer, and coexpressed with CA-125 in 2/3 patients. In patients with classic mucinous ovarian cancer, 4/12 had expression of CA 19-9 without coexpression with CA-125. HER2/neu positivity (3+) was proven in only one case with classic mucinous ovarian cancer, and any other expression (1+) in 7 additional patients (1 mucinous and 6 serous ovarian cancers).

CONCLUSION

Positive HER2/neu expression in the cells of ovarian cancer is very rare and HER2/neu overexpression is even rarer. Expression of ER and PR does not depend on tumor grade and/or at least not in grade I and II. Positive CA 19-9 expression may be present not only in cases of classic mucinous ovarian cancer but also in typical serous ovarian cancer. However, in the classic mucinous ovarian cancer, CA-125 may be expressed, though in relatively low percentage.