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HER2 Analysis in Sporadic Thyroid Cancer of Follicular Cell Origin
Rosaria M Ruggeri1, Alfredo Campennì2, Giuseppe Giuffrè3
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Messina, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, 98125 Messina, Italy. rmruggeri@unime.it.
Abstract:
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receoptor (EGFR) family member human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in many human epithelial malignancies, representing a molecular target for specific anti-neoplastic drugs. Few data are available on HER2 status in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The present study was aimed to investigate HER2 status in sporadic cancers of follicular cell origin to better clarify the role of this receptor in the stratification of thyroid cancer. By immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridization, HER2 expression was investigated in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens from 90 DTC patients, 45 follicular (FTC) and 45 papillary (PTC) histotypes. No HER2 immunostaining was recorded in background thyroid tissue. By contrast, overall HER2 overexpression was found in 20/45 (44%) FTC and 8/45 (18%) PTC, with a significant difference between the two histotypes (p = 0.046). Five of the six patients who developed metastatic disease during a median nine-year follow-up had a HER2-positive tumor. Therefore, we suggest that HER2 expression may represent an additional aid to identify a subset of patients who are characterized by a worse prognosis and are potentially eligible for targeted therapy.
Insights
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) more than papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). HER2 positivity in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) may indicate a worse prognosis and eligibility for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a key target in epithelial malignancies.
- Limited data exist regarding HER2 status in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate HER2 expression in follicular (FTC) and papillary (PTC) thyroid cancer histotypes.
- To assess the potential role of HER2 in thyroid cancer stratification and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridization were used.
- HER2 expression was analyzed in 90 DTC surgical specimens (45 FTC, 45 PTC).
Main Results:
- HER2 overexpression was observed in 44% of FTC and 18% of PTC cases (p=0.046).
- No HER2 immunostaining was detected in normal thyroid tissue.
- Five of six patients with metastatic disease had HER2-positive tumors.
Conclusions:
- HER2 overexpression is significantly more frequent in FTC than PTC.
- HER2 status may aid in identifying DTC patients with poorer prognosis.
- HER2-positive DTC patients might benefit from targeted anti-neoplastic therapies.
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