Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 7, 2025

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

268

Mind the target: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in colorectal cancer

Rita Saúde-Conde1, Gertjan Rasschaert1,2, Giacomo Bregni1,3

  • 1Gastrointestinal Unit - Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet.

Current Opinion in Oncology
|June 22, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) alterations are a targetable vulnerability in 5% of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Emerging anti-HER2 therapies show promise, with liquid biopsies aiding patient selection.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern.
  • Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) alterations occur in approximately 5% of metastatic CRC cases.
  • HER2 status impacts treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on HER2 alterations in CRC.
  • To review recent evidence on HER2 detection, prognostication, and targeted treatments.
  • To highlight challenges in standardizing HER2 diagnostics for clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on HER2 in CRC.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding anti-HER2 therapies (monotherapy, combination, antibody-drug conjugates, tyrosine kinase inhibitors).
  • Evaluation of liquid biopsy and ctDNA analyses for HER2 detection and patient selection.

Main Results:

  • Established and novel anti-HER2 agents demonstrate therapeutic potential in CRC.
  • Liquid biopsy and ctDNA analysis are confirmed as valuable tools for HER2 detection and patient selection.
  • Standardization of HER2 detection methods and diagnostic criteria is crucial.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting HER2 in CRC, despite its rarity, offers significant therapeutic opportunities.
  • Further high-quality, randomized evidence is needed to support regulatory approval and routine clinical use of anti-HER2 agents.
  • Standardization of diagnostic approaches is a key challenge for advancing HER2-targeted therapy in CRC.

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