Thus, HER2/neu overexpression may represent a distinctive molecular marker that, in addition to having the potential to facilitate differentiation of USPC from the histologically indistinguishable high-grade serious ovarian tumours (Santin et al, 2004), may also provide insights into the disproportionately poor prognosis of USPC patients (Lukes et al, 1994; Santin et al, 2002, 2004). This evidence concerns the gene ERBB2 and ovarian neoplasm.