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An Orthotopic Bladder Cancer Model for Gene Delivery Studies
Published on: December 1, 2013
HER-2--a possible target for therapy of metastatic urinary bladder carcinoma
Kenneth Wester1, Anna Sjöström, Manuel de la Torre
1Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. kenneth.wester@genpat.uu.se
Abstract:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, HER-2, is overexpressed in various tumours, e.g. breast- and bladder tumours. The aim of this study was to predict the potential use of HER-2 receptors as targets in systemic treatment of disseminated bladder tumours. HER-2 expression was assessed in bladder carcinoma metastases and the corresponding primary tumours, and subsequently compared with the EGFR expression. HER-2 and EGFR expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 21 patients with metastatic bladder carcinoma. HER-2 was overexpressed in 81% of the primary tumours and in 67% of the metastases. All HER-2-positive metastases were from HER-2-positive primary tumours. The results for EGFR were 71% of both primary and metastases-positive tumours. In 90% of the primary tumours and 86% of the metastases, at least one of the receptors was overexpressed. These results suggest that HER-2 targeted therapy can be considered as an alternative or a complement to other modalities in the treatment of metastatic urinary bladder carcinoma.
Insights
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is overexpressed in many cancers. This study found HER-2 and EGFR are frequently overexpressed in metastatic bladder tumors, suggesting HER-2 targeted therapy for advanced bladder cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, including breast and bladder tumors.
- Targeting overexpressed receptors is a key strategy in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of HER-2 as a therapeutic target in metastatic urinary bladder carcinoma.
- To assess HER-2 and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression in primary and metastatic bladder tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze HER-2 and EGFR expression.
- Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 21 patients with metastatic bladder carcinoma were examined.
- Expression levels in primary tumors were compared with corresponding metastases.
Main Results:
- HER-2 was overexpressed in 81% of primary tumors and 67% of metastases.
- EGFR was overexpressed in 71% of both primary tumors and metastases.
- Overexpression of at least one receptor (HER-2 or EGFR) was observed in 90% of primary tumors and 86% of metastases.
Conclusions:
- High rates of HER-2 and EGFR overexpression in metastatic bladder tumors suggest their potential as therapeutic targets.
- HER-2 targeted therapy could be a valuable addition or alternative treatment for metastatic urinary bladder carcinoma.
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