Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Heterogeneity Mapping of Protein Expression in Tumors using Quantitative Immunofluorescence
Published on: October 25, 2011
HER2 aberrations and heterogeneity in cancers of the digestive system: Implications for pathologists and
Nicola Fusco1, Silvano Bosari1
1Nicola Fusco, Silvano Bosari, Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Management of cancers of the digestive system has progressed rapidly into the molecular era. Despite the significant recent achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, the number of deaths for these tumors has currently plateaued. Many investigations have assessed the role of HER2 in tumors of the digestive system in both prognostic and therapeutic settings, with heterogeneous results. Novel testing and treatment guidelines are emerging, in particular in gastric and colorectal cancers. However, further advances are needed. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-knowledge of HER2 alterations in the most common tumors of the digestive system and discuss the operational implications of HER2 testing.
Insights
This review explores Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) alterations in digestive cancers. While HER2 testing offers therapeutic potential, further research is needed to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Digestive system cancers have entered the molecular era, yet mortality rates remain high.
- Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) has been investigated for its prognostic and therapeutic roles in digestive tumors with varied outcomes.
- Emerging guidelines for HER2 testing and treatment exist, particularly for gastric and colorectal cancers, but advancements are still required.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding HER2 alterations in common digestive system tumors.
- To discuss the practical implications of HER2 testing in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on HER2 in digestive cancers.
- Analysis of current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies related to HER2.
Main Results:
- HER2 alterations play a complex role in digestive system tumors, with significant heterogeneity in findings.
- Current HER2 testing and treatment strategies are evolving, especially for gastric and colorectal cancers.
- Operational aspects of HER2 testing require careful consideration for effective clinical application.
Conclusions:
- Understanding HER2 alterations is crucial for advancing the management of digestive cancers.
- Standardized and effective HER2 testing is essential for guiding targeted therapies.
- Continued research is necessary to overcome current challenges and improve survival rates for patients with HER2-altered digestive tumors.
More Related Videos
11:34Building Up a High-throughput Screening Platform to Assess the Heterogeneity of HER2 Gene Amplification in Breast Cancers
Published on: December 5, 2017
08:59Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down
Published on: December 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
02:21Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...