Somatostatin receptor subtype 2 A (SSTR2A) and HER2 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Background: A possible anticancer role for somatostatin has been suggested. This study assessed the presence of somatostatin receptor subtype 2A (SSTR2A) in gastric cancer, correlating its expression with histological type, grade, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression, and disease outcome. Materials and Methods: Gastric cancer tissues of 51 consecutive patients were collected for immunohistochemical assessment of both SSTR2A and HER2 expression. Results: SSTR2A expression was observed in 38 (74.5%) cases. Prevalence of SSTR2A expression was significantly higher in well to moderately (GI-2) differentiated gastric cancer as compared to poorly (G3) differentiated tumors (96% vs. 52%; p<0.0.1), as well as in intestinal- than in diffuse-type cancer (97% vs. 20%; p<0.001). HER2 expression was positive in 18 (35%) patients, and it was associated with SSTR2A expression (r=0.50, p