Molecular Targeting of Her-2/neu Protein Is Not Recommended as an Adjuvant Therapy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Lichen Planus.

Maryam Kouhsoltani,Ronak Ahmadzadeh,Behrooz Shokoohi,Amirala Aghbali

doi:10.15171/apb.2015.088

Maryam Kouhsoltani, Ronak Ahmadzadeh + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.15171/apb.2015.088

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Abstract

Target therapy against molecular markers of EGFR family has been recently used in the treatment protocol of several diseases. However, the role of Her-2/neu in OSCC is a matter of controversy and more studies are required to clarify the role of Her-2/neu in OSCC. We aimed to investigate the role of Her-2/neu in the process of carcinogenesis in oral epithelium as ELP is a premalignant and OSCC is a malignant lesion, but RLP shows no evidence of premalignancy and malignancy.To our Knowledge, this is the first study comparing Her-2/neu expression in erosive lichen planus (ELP), reticular lichen planus (RLP), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). 60 samples, including 20 cases of RLP, 20 cases of ELP, and 20 cases of OSCC were evaluated immunohistochemically in this study. Our findings showed that there was not a significant increase in Her-2/neu expression from RLP to ELP and from ELP to OSCC. Therefore, Her-2/neu had no role in differentiating between RLP, ELP and OSCC and this protein does not contribute to the process of carcinogenesis in the oral epithelium. The lack of Her-2/neu overexpression indicates that molecular targeting of Her-2/neu protein is not recommended as an adjuvant therapy in OSCC and OLP.

Highlights

Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease characterized by relapses and remissions.[1,2] It is an immunologically mediated disorder of unknown cause that affects stratified squamous epithelium.[1,3] Oral lichen planus (OLP) occurs in 1-2% of the adult population.[4]
We aimed to investigate the role of Her-2/neu in the process of carcinogenesis in oral epithelium as ELP is a premalignant and OSCC is a malignant lesion, but RLP shows no evidence of premalignancy and malignancy.To our Knowledge, this is the first study comparing Her-2/neu expression in erosive lichen planus (ELP), reticular lichen planus (RLP), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
Her-2/neu had no role in differentiating between RLP, ELP and OSCC and this protein does not contribute to the process of carcinogenesis in the oral epithelium

Summary

Introduction

Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease characterized by relapses and remissions.[1,2] It is an immunologically mediated disorder of unknown cause that affects stratified squamous epithelium.[1,3] Oral lichen planus (OLP) occurs in 1-2% of the adult population.[4]. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these lesions (OLP and OSCC) may provide further insight into the clinical implication of Her-2/neu protein for more effective molecular treatment strategies

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