The relationship between HER2 overexpression and angiogenesis in gastric cancer

In gastric cancer, HER2 protein overexpression is considered to be conducive to the higher proliferation activity of the tumor cells. Tumor formation is associated with angiogenesis in order to secure an abundant supply of oxygen and glucose to cancer cells. The aim of the study was to assess if HER2 overexpression is related to higher microvessel density (MVD) in the tumor stroma. The archival samples of primary tumor from 144 consecutive patients that underwent gastric resection for cancer between August 1, 2006 and December 31, 2013 in the Department of Oncological Surgery of Medical University of Gdańsk were analyzed. CD34 was used as a marker of MVD in the tumor stroma. Both CD34 and HER2 protein expressions were tested by immunohistochemistry. The assays were unsuccessful to estimate HER2 in 10 cases and CD34 in 14 cases due to technical reasons. The results were obtained for 128 patients. HER2 0 and HER2 1+ were considered negative, while HER2+ and HER2 3+ were recognized as positive. Mean MVD (mean number of vessels in the visual field) was 32.4 (median 29.5). Microvessel density was insignificantly higher in HER2 positive tumors. The slight difference was also seen between IHC 2+ and 3+ groups. The differences did not reach the level of statistical significance. Statistical analysis performed in our study did not reveal the significant relationship between HER2 overexpression on the tumor cells and MVD in the tumor stroma.