Borderline Tumors of the Ovary: A Clinico-Pathologic and Immunohistochemical Study of 54 Cases

Objective:To study EGF‐R, HER‐2/neu (p185), p53, Mib‐1 (Ki‐67), Bax, Bcl‐2, ras expression and ploidy in borderline tumors of the ovary by assessing their frequency, and relationship to histologic type, tumor recurrence and survival. Methods:Fifty‐four patients with borderline tumors were followed 3–140 months (median: 38 months). Paraffin‐embedded sections were stained using monoclonal antibodies against EGF‐R, HER‐2/neu (p185), p53, Mib‐1 (Ki‐67), Bax, Bcl‐2, and ras. The immunohistochemical findings were correlated to histologic subtype, tumor recurrence, and survival. Results:Positivity for EGF‐R was found in 24% (13/54), in 22% (12/54) p185 was positive, 9% (5/54) of tumors were p53‐positive, Mib‐1 (Ki‐67)‐positivity was demonstrable in 46% (25/54). Expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, and ras was found in 37% (20/54), 28% (15/54) and in 7% (4/54) of the cases, respectively. Conclusion:The data demonstrate expression of EGF‐R, p185/HER‐2/neu, p53, Mib‐1 (Ki‐67), Bax, Bcl‐2, and ras in a subgroup of patients with ovarian borderline tumors. Further studies to evaluate their prognostic value are warranted.