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Cytoplasmic Overexpression of HER2: a Key Factor in Colorectal Cancer

Erik J Blok1, Peter Jk Kuppen, Jeroen Em van Leeuwen

  • 1Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Clinical Medicine Insights. Oncology
|March 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Trastuzumab targets HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) in cancer. While membranous HER2 is low in colorectal cancer, 30% of patients show cytoplasmic HER2 overexpression, a finding needing further clinical investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), is a primary treatment for breast cancer.
  • Trastuzumab's efficacy has been explored in various cancers, but HER2 expression data in colorectal cancer remain inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate and compare existing studies on HER2 expression in colorectal cancer.
  • To investigate factors influencing HER2 expression determination, particularly the intracellular fraction.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and comparative analysis of published studies on HER2 expression in colorectal cancer.
  • Evaluation of methodologies used for HER2 expression assessment.

Main Results:

  • Reported HER2 overexpression in colorectal cancer varies widely (0-84%), influenced by detection methods.
  • Membranous HER2 overexpression is observed in approximately 5% of colorectal cancer patients.
  • Cytoplasmic HER2 overexpression is identified in a significant proportion (30%) of patients.

Conclusions:

  • HER2 expression determination in colorectal cancer is complex and affected by multiple factors, especially for intracellular HER2.
  • While membranous HER2 positivity is low, cytoplasmic HER2 overexpression is prevalent and warrants further research.
  • Understanding the clinical significance of intracellular HER2 could open new therapeutic avenues for colorectal cancer targeting HER2.
Keywords:
ErbB2HER2Her2/neubiomarkercolorectal cancercytoplasmicherceptinimmunohistochemistrymembranoussurvivaltissue microarraytrastuzumab

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