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Updated: May 21, 2026

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens
09:53

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens

Published on: February 6, 2017

HER family receptor and ligand status in thymic carcinoma

Annikka Weissferdt1, Heather Lin, Denise Woods

  • 1Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. aweissferdt@doctors.org.uk

Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|June 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

HER receptor and ligand protein expression is common in thymic carcinoma, suggesting targeted therapy may be beneficial. However, gene amplification for EGFR and HER2 is rare in these tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The HER family of receptors and ligands are key in many solid tumors.
  • Their role in thymic epithelial neoplasms, especially thymic carcinoma, is understudied.
  • Targeted therapies against HER molecules are emerging treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of HER receptors (EGFR, HER2, HER3) and their ligands in thymic carcinoma.
  • To determine the frequency of gene amplification for EGFR and HER2 in thymic carcinoma.
  • To assess the potential for targeted therapy in thymic carcinoma.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate protein expression of EGFR, pEGFR, HER2, pHER2, HER3, pHER3, EGF, TGF-α, amphiregulin, and epiregulin.
  • Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to detect EGFR and HER2 gene amplification.
  • Gene copy numbers and ratios to centromeres were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Significant protein expression was found for EGFR, pEGFR, HER2, HER3, TGF-α, amphiregulin, and epiregulin.
  • HER2 gene amplification was observed in only one case.
  • Increased HER2 gene copy numbers and HER2:CEP17 ratio were noted in 75% and 33.3% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • EGFR and HER2 gene amplification are infrequent in thymic carcinoma.
  • Widespread protein expression of HER receptors and ligands suggests potential efficacy of targeted therapies.
  • Targeted therapy against HER molecules could be a viable treatment option for thymic carcinoma.

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