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EGFR and HER2 expression in primary cervical cancers and corresponding lymph node metastases: implications for
Li Shen1, Yongjie Shui, Xiaojia Wang
1Department of Radiation Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, PR China. lishenhz@yahoo.com
Background:
Proteins overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells can be selectively targeted. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are among the most often targeted proteins. The level and stability of expression in both primary tumors and corresponding metastases is crucial in the assessment of a receptor as target for imaging in nuclear medicine and for various forms of therapy. So far, the expression of EGFR and HER2 has only been determined in primary cervical cancers, and we have not found published data regarding the receptor status in corresponding metastatic lesions. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether any of these receptors are suitable as target for clinical diagnosis and therapy.
Methods:
Expression of EGFR and HER2 was investigated immunohistochemically in both lymph node metastases and corresponding primary cervical cancers (n = 53). HER2 and EGFR expression was scored using HercepTest criteria (0, 1+, 2+ or 3+).
Results:
EGFR overexpression (2+ or 3+) was found in 64% (35/53) of the primary cervical tumors and 60% (32/53) of the corresponding lymph node metastases. There was a good concordance between the primary tumors and the paired metastases regarding EGFR expression. Only four patients who had 2+ or 3+ in the primary tumors changed to 0 or 1+ in lymph node metastases, and another two cases changed the other way around. None of the primary tumors or the lymph node metastases expressed HER2 protein.
Conclusion:
The EGFR expression seems to be common and stable during cervical cancer metastasis, which is encouraging for testing of EGFR targeted radiotherapy. HER2 appears to be of poor interest as a potential target in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Insights
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is commonly and stably expressed in cervical cancer metastasis, making it a promising target for radiotherapy. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is not expressed, indicating it is not a suitable target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Tumor surface proteins like EGFR and HER2 are potential therapeutic targets.
- Expression stability in primary and metastatic tumors is key for targeted therapy assessment.
- Limited data exists on EGFR and HER2 expression in cervical cancer metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate EGFR and HER2 expression in cervical cancer.
- To determine receptor suitability for nuclear medicine imaging and therapy.
- To assess receptor expression stability between primary tumors and metastases.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry used to analyze EGFR and HER2 expression.
- Samples included primary cervical cancers and corresponding lymph node metastases (n=53).
- Expression scored using HercepTest criteria (0, 1+, 2+, 3+).
Main Results:
- EGFR overexpression (2+ or 3+) found in 64% of primary tumors and 60% of metastases.
- High concordance observed for EGFR expression between primary tumors and metastases.
- No HER2 protein expression detected in any primary tumors or metastases.
Conclusions:
- EGFR is a common and stable target in cervical cancer metastasis, supporting EGFR-targeted radiotherapy.
- HER2 is not a viable target for cervical cancer treatment due to lack of expression.
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