EVALUATION OF HER2/NEU EXPRESSION IN GALLBLADDER LESIONS USING IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY

Abstract

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis due to late presentation. Identification of molecular targets such as HER2/neu may improve therapeutic strategies. This descriptive case–control study (n = 78) evaluated HER2/neu expression in gallbladder carcinoma and its association with clinicopathological parameters. HER2/neu expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry and scored as 0, 1+, 2+, or 3+ based on membranous staining. Scores of 0/1+ were considered negative, 2+ as equivocal, and 3+ as positive. The mean age of GBC patients was 58.09 ± 13.7 years, with female predominance. HER2 positivity (3+) was observed in 29.3% of cases, while 2+ equivocal expression was noted separately. Although HER2 expression was higher in GBC compared to controls, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant association was observed with tumor grade, stage, or metastasis. HER2/neu overexpression in a subset of GBC cases suggests potential for targeted therapy; however, further validation with molecular techniques is required.