Comparative analysis of c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu) in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: does over-expression exist? And what is its correlation with traditional diagnostic parameters?

Objectives: Over-expression of the proto-oncogene c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu) has been shown to be a prognostic marker in many kinds of cancer, whereas conflicting data exist about the prevalence of HER-2/neu over-expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue. The status of Her-2/neu was evaluated in a series of SCC of the tongue to verify the frequency of over-expression of HER-2/neu and evaluate the correlation with traditional diagnostic parameters of this neoplasm. Method: Fourty patients with SCC of the tongue were investigated for over-expression of the protein through immunohistochemistry using CB11 antibody, the Hercep Test® kit and FISH. Results: Data obtained using the Hercep Test® differ from published reports concerning the over-expression of Her-2/neu and there was no correlation between levels of expression of Her-2/neu and other clinico-pathological and/or prognostic parameters. Of the 40 specimens, using CB11 we obtained results in line with published reports; however, with the Hercep Test® we found only 1 positive case (2.5%) (score 3+). Conclusion: These data, confirmed by FISH, suggest that Her-2/neu is not a suitable marker that could play a primary role in the clinical-therapeutic management of SCC of the tongue.