Lack of Elevated HER2/neu Expression in Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Iran

Purpose: The role of the HER family in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) is not well-defined. This study was aimed to assess the frequency of HER2/neu overexpression in oral carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: Expression of HER2/neu oncoprotein in OSCCs (N=18), oral epithelial dysplasia (N=18) and normal oral mucosa (N=18) was assessed by immunohistochemistry using a cerbB2 antibody kit. Results: HER2/neu was almost undetectable in normal oral mucosa and only 1/18 (0/05) of cases was positive. In oral epithelial dysplasia, 2/18 (11.1%) demonstrated staining, as did 3/18 OSCCs. Membrane staining was observed in all cases and there was no significant variation in frequency/intensity between normal oral mucosa/oral epithelial dysplasia and OSCCs (p>0/05). Conclusions: Aberrant expression of HER2/neu apparently does not contribute to carcinogenesis in the oral epithelium. The lack of overexpression in OSCCs indicates that molecular targeting is not feasible for adjuvant treatment.