Expression of VEGF-A, HER2/neu, and in gall bladder carcinoma and their correlation with clinico-pathological parameters.

BACKGROUND

Gall bladder carcinoma (GBC) is a multi-factorial disease, involving multiple genetic alterations. The present pilot study aims to explore some of the molecular pathways, by studying immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of biomarkers (HER2/neu, KRAS, and VEGF) in GBC with their correlation with various clinicopathological parameters.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study the expression of prognostic biomarkers (HER2/neu, KRAS and VEGF-A) in GBC and their correlation with clinico-morphological parameters. Materials and.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted over a period of 2 years. The study group included tissue of GBC (29) reported as malignant on histopathology and cholecystitis as a control group (29) for histopathological evaluation and IHC expression of above markers.

RESULTS

HER2/neu was expressed in 27.5% cases, and KRAS in 51.6%; however, both showed no association with tumor type, stage and grade. No association was found in KRAS expression and dysplasia. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor - A (VEGF-A) was expressed in 86.1% cases, of which strong positivity was seen in 48.27%; it showed significant association with tumor stage (P value-0.027, Fishers' exact test), hence possibly suggesting its role in tumor progression; though no association was found in VEGF expression with tumor type and grade. No significant association was seen with vascular and tumor invasion also.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the VEGF-A expression may be used as a potential prognostic biomarker in GBC.