The expression of immunohistochemical markers estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Her-2-neu, p53 and Ki-67 in epithelial ovarian tumors and its correlation with clinicopathologic variables

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ER α), progesterone receptor A (PRA), Her-2-neu, p53, and Ki-67 in epithelial ovarian tumors and their correlation with various clinicopathologic variables. This study included 60 consecutive cases of epithelial ovarian tumors. Sections of 4 μm were taken from paraffin embedded tissue blocks for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical analysis was done using Chi square test, ANOVA. ER α had lower expression in benign (29%) and PRA higher expression in malignant (63.6%) tumors. ERα, PRA had higher expression in serous (72.72%, 57.14%), postmenopausal (81.8%, 71.42%), advanced stage (63.63%, 52.38%), grade 3 (45.45%, 38.09%), and tumors with ascites (90.90%, 85.7%). Her-2-neu, p53 were negative in benign and higher in malignant (21%, 57.6%), serous (71.42%, 57.89%), grade 3 (57.14%, 31.57%), and tumors with ascites (85.7%, 84.21%). Ki-67 had a significant higher expression in malignant (48.6 ± 26.76), serous (55.43 ± 27.85), and grade 3 tumors (68 ± 22). CA-125 levels were significantly higher in malignant, serous, advanced stage, grade 3 and ER α, Her-2-neu and p53 positive tumors. ERα, PRA expression in tumors with adverse prognostic factors support the mitogenic role of estrogen and estrogenic regulation of PR. Her-2-neu and p53 expression only in malignant tumors suggest their carcinogenic role and aid in the differentiation of borderline and malignant tumors. Higher Ki-67 in tumors with adverse prognostic factors would help in prognostication and differentiation. Lack of co-expression of markers proves the extreme heterogeneity of ovarian tumors. These markers may aid in differentiation and prognostication of ovarian tumors.