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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Genomic alterations in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Christine H Chung1,2,3, Alexis Germain4, Rathan M Subramaniam5
1Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Background:
Despite recent advances, survival outcomes for those with metastatic or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have remained poor. Novel approaches should be investigated to improve outcomes.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed of a patient who presented with a TNM classification III HNSCC of the oropharynx, positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) who had a complete response to a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy. Amplification rates of HER2 in the HNSCC Cancer Genome Atlas Network (TCGA) dataset and the FoundationOne genomic profiling dataset were evaluated.
Results:
Comprehensive genomic profiling of the tumor obtained from the dermal metastasis identified amplification of HER2. Data from TCGA and FoundationOne showed that the frequency of HER2 alteration was not observed to vary significantly with HPV tumor status.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the application of genomic profiling to guide treatments in a patient with HNSCC with advanced metastatic disease refractory to standard of care therapies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: E15-E19, 2017.
Insights
Genomic profiling identified HER2 amplification in a patient with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This led to a complete response with HER2-targeted therapy, showing promise for refractory HNSCC cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Head and Neck Cancer Research
Background:
- Metastatic and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibit poor survival outcomes.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving patient prognosis in advanced HNSCC.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) status is an important factor in HNSCC, but targeted therapies require further investigation.
Observation:
- A patient with stage III oropharyngeal HNSCC, positive for HPV, achieved a complete response to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy.
- Comprehensive genomic profiling of metastatic HNSCC revealed HER2 amplification.
- Analysis of large datasets (TCGA, FoundationOne) indicated HER2 alterations are not significantly influenced by HPV status in HNSCC.
Findings:
- Genomic profiling successfully guided treatment selection for an advanced HNSCC case.
- HER2 amplification was identified as a targetable alteration in a patient with metastatic HNSCC.
- The study highlights the potential of HER2-targeted therapy in HNSCC patients with specific genomic alterations.
Implications:
- Genomic profiling can identify actionable targets in HNSCC, even in advanced or refractory disease.
- Targeted therapies, such as those against HER2, may offer new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
- This case underscores the importance of integrating genomic data into clinical decision-making for personalized HNSCC treatment strategies.
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