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EGFR, HER2, and HER3 expression in laryngeal primary tumors and corresponding metastases
Qichun Wei1, Liming Sheng, Yongjie Shui
1Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, and Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road 88, Hangzhou, 310009, PR China. Qichun_Wei@zju.edu.cn
Background:
There are several substances available to target members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, both for imaging in nuclear medicine and for various forms of therapy. The level and stability of expression in both primary tumors and corresponding metastases is crucial in the assessment of a receptor as a target in systemic tumor therapy. To date, the expression of EGFR family members has only been determined in primary laryngeal carcinomas, and we have not found published data regarding the receptor status in corresponding metastatic lesions.
Methods:
Expression of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 was investigated immunohistochemically in both lymph node metastases and corresponding primary laryngeal squamous carcinomas (n = 40).
Results:
EGFR overexpression (2+ or 3+) was found in 87.5% (35/40) of the laryngeal primary tumors and 82.5% (33/40) of the corresponding lymph node metastases. There was a good agreement between the primary tumors and the paired metastases regarding EGFR expression. HER2 overexpression was found in only four cases (10.5%) of the studied primary tumors and in all cases the HER2 expression was retained in the paired metastases. Another two metastases gained HER2 status when compared to the corresponding primary tumors. Strong HER3 staining was found in 26.7% of both the primary tumors and the corresponding metastases.
Conclusions:
The high frequency and stability in EGFR expression is encouraging for efforts to use EGFR targeting agents (e.g. Iressa, Tarceva, Erbitux or radiolabeled antibodies) for therapy of laryngeal carcinoma. For a few laryngeal carcinoma patients with HER2 overexpression, anti-HER2 agents could possibly be used.
Insights
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in laryngeal tumors and metastases, supporting its use as a therapeutic target. HER2 and HER3 expression also occurred in laryngeal cancer, suggesting potential for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members are targets for cancer imaging and therapy.
- Assessing EGFR family expression in primary tumors and metastases is crucial for systemic therapy.
- Limited data exists on EGFR family expression in laryngeal carcinoma metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 in primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas and their corresponding lymph node metastases.
- To determine the stability of EGFR family expression between primary tumors and metastatic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 expression.
- Study included 40 pairs of primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas and lymph node metastases.
Main Results:
- EGFR overexpression was found in 87.5% of primary tumors and 82.5% of metastases, showing good agreement.
- HER2 overexpression was observed in 10.5% of primary tumors, with expression generally retained in metastases.
- Strong HER3 staining was present in 26.7% of both primary tumors and metastases.
Conclusions:
- High and stable EGFR expression in laryngeal cancer supports the use of EGFR-targeting agents for therapy.
- HER2 expression in a subset of patients suggests potential utility of anti-HER2 agents.
- Further research into targeted therapies based on EGFR family expression in laryngeal cancer is warranted.
