Objective To explore an alternative method for Her-2/neu analysis in paraffin-embedded ovarian carcinoma.Methods The amplification and expression of Her-2/neu in 69 specimens of ovarian carcinoma was investigated by real-time PCR(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry(IHC),respectively.The results were compared and FISH assay was performed to ensure the reliability of the results.Results Based on arbitrary cut-offs of more than 1.5 or 2(ratio of gene copy numbers in tumor cells to gene copy numbers in euploid cells),the amplification rates for the Her-2/neu were 26.1%(18/69) and 15.9%(11/69) by RT-PCR.Twenty out of 69 specimens(28.99%) of Her-2/neu overexpression(++ to +++) were found by IHC.Her-2/neu status assessed by RT-PCR was closely in accordance with the result by IHC.Conclusion RT-PCR is reliable,easy and rapid to perform and represents an alternative technique for establishing Her-2/neu status in paraffin-embedded ovarian carcinoma.