Abstract:

Objective To analyze the consistency of expressions of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) of gastroscopic biopsy and surgical specimens of gastric cancer by the immunohistochemistry method. Methods A total of 322 gastroscopic biopsy specimens and 390 surgical specimens of gastric cancer were selected (101 patients provided both two kinds of specimens). Expressions of HER-2 of all specimens were detected by the HER-2 immunohistochemistry staining and analyzed according to the ToGA standard. Results The 11.5% of the biopsy specimens were HER-2 positive and HER-2 expressions of 15.8% of the biopsy specimens were 2+, while 4.4% of surgical specimens were HER-2 positive and HER-2 expressions of 10.0% of surgical specimens were 2+. The general consistency rate of HER-2 expression of biopsy and surgical specimens was 75.2% (76/101). HER-2 expressions of 22 biopsy specimens were higher and HER-2 expressions of 3 biopsy specimens were lower. If HER-2 expressions of 2+ and 3+ were considered as HER-2 positive, the general consistency rate, negative consistency rate, positive consistency rate, sensitivity, and specificity were 77.2%, 95.9%, 39.4%, 88.5%, and 76.5%, respectively. Conclusion HER-2 immunohistochemistry detection for gastroscopic biopsy specimens is a feasible screening method for patients who are inoperable. However, the current ToGA standard still needs to be improved for practical applications.

Key words: HER-2, biopsy, surgery, gastric cancer, consitency