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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells
08:28

Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells

Published on: May 9, 2025

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Targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) oncogene in colorectal cancer

S Siena1, A Sartore-Bianchi1, S Marsoni2

  • 1Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan.

Annals of Oncology : Official Journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
|April 17, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) drives a subset of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). HER2-targeted therapies show significant clinical benefit, offering a new precision oncology approach for these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a known oncogenic driver and therapeutic target in breast and gastric cancers.
  • Previous research identified HER2 amplification or mutation in approximately 5% of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of HER2 amplification in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To discuss HER2 as an oncogenic driver, prognostic/predictive biomarker, and therapeutic target in CRC.
  • To consider the specifics of HER2 testing in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of functional and genomic analyses of patient-derived xenografts.
  • Analysis of existing literature on HER2 in CRC.
  • Evaluation of clinical trial data for HER2-targeted therapies in CRC.

Main Results:

  • HER2 amplification is an established therapeutic target in a subset of metastatic CRC.
  • HER2-targeted therapies demonstrate substantial clinical benefit, improving response rates and duration compared to other treatments.
  • The prognostic role of HER2 in CRC remains uncertain, but its predictive value for targeted therapy is clear.

Conclusions:

  • HER2-targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in precision oncology for metastatic CRC.
  • These strategies have the potential to alter the treatment landscape for a relevant subgroup of CRC patients.
  • Accurate HER2 testing is crucial for identifying patients who will benefit from targeted treatments.

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