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Building Up a High-throughput Screening Platform to Assess the Heterogeneity of HER2 Gene Amplification in Breast Cancers
Published on: December 5, 2017
Testing for her2 in breast cancer: current pathology challenges faced in Canada
1University of Toronto, Toronto, ON. ; Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, ON.
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|January 10, 2013
Summary
Accurate diagnosis of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is challenged by pre-analysis issues in biopsies and criteria for retesting. This review offers recommendations for optimizing HER2 testing in Canadian pathology practices.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing is crucial for breast cancer treatment decisions.
- Pathologists in Canada face specific challenges in HER2 diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight key challenges in HER2-positive breast cancer diagnosis in Canada.
- To provide recommendations for optimizing HER2 testing practices.
Main Methods:
- Literature searches were conducted across multiple databases (Medline, Embase, etc.).
- Congress databases from major oncology conferences (ASCO, SABCS) were also searched.
- Expert breast pathologists evaluated current data and practice guidelines.
Main Results:
- Pre-analysis issues significantly affect HER2 testing accuracy in non-excision samples (biopsies, aspirates, effusions, bone metastases).
- Comparison of HER2 testing between core-needle biopsies and surgical specimens reveals discrepancies.
- Criteria for retesting HER2 status upon disease recurrence require clear definition.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing HER2 testing requires addressing pre-analytical variables and standardizing protocols.
- Clear guidelines for HER2 retesting are essential for effective patient management.
- Recommendations are provided to improve the accuracy and reliability of HER2 testing in Canadian pathology.
