IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EXPRESSION OF ER, PR AND HER 2/Neu STATUS IN SURFACE EPITHELIAL TUMORS OF THE OVARY

Background: Surface epithelial ovarian tumors form the major group of ovarian neoplasms with diverse biological behavior. This study assessed the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) and correlated these markers with key histopathological features to evaluate their prognostic significance. Aims And Objectives: To assess the expression of ER, PR, and HER2/neu in surface epithelial ovarian tumors and to correlate these markers with clinicopathological features for their prognostic significance. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 42 histologically confirmed surface epithelial ovarian tumors over 18 months at Gandhi Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Bhopal. Clinical data, imaging, and gross and microscopic features were recorded. IHC staining for ER, PR, and HER2/neu was performed and interpreted using ASCO/CAP guidelines. Associations with tumor grade, type, and TNM stage were analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: The tumors occurred across a wide age range (mean 41.7 ± 17.9 years), with a peak incidence at 21–40 years (42.8 %). Benign tumors constituted 71.4 %, borderline 12 %, and malignant 16.6 %. ER was positive in 66.7 % of cases (51 % of malignant tumors), PR in 47.6 % (46 % of malignant tumors), and HER2/neu in 26.2 % (29.7 % of malignant tumors). HER2/neu positivity was more frequent in high-grade and advanced-stage tumors. Significant associations were observed between IHC marker expression and tumor grade (p < 0.001), TNM stage (p = 0.001), and tumor type (p < 0.001). Conclusion: ER, PR, and HER2/neu are valuable biomarkers in surface epithelial ovarian tumors. ER was the most frequently expressed marker, while HER2/neu positivity correlated with aggressive histology. Combined evaluation of these markers with routine histopathology can improve diagnostic stratification, refine prognostication, and help identify patients who may benefit from targeted or hormone-based therapies.