Effect of HER2/CEP17 ratio on survival in metastatic HER2-positive gastric cancer, multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Metastatic gastric cancer, particularly HER2-positive, remains a challenging diagnosis with limited treatment options.
• The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene is a key target in gastric cancer therapy.
• The HER2/CEP17 ratio is an important biomarker for HER2-positive cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic significance of the HER2/CEP17 ratio on survival in patients with HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer.
• To explore the relationship between HER2 gene amplification and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 99 patients with HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer was analyzed across 8 centers in Turkey.
• Patients were stratified into high and low HER2/CEP17 ratio groups for survival analysis.
• Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Patients with a high HER2/CEP17 ratio demonstrated significantly longer OS (21.97 months) compared to those with a low ratio (16.17 months; p=0.015).
• Higher HER2 gene copy number was associated with improved OS (17.7 months vs. 10.13 months; p=0.03) and a trend towards better PFS (10.94 months vs. 7.56 months; p=0.06).

Conclusions:

• Elevated HER2 gene amplification and a high HER2/CEP17 ratio are associated with superior overall survival in metastatic gastric cancer.
• This study is the first to report that the HER2/CEP17 ratio impacts survival in this patient population.
• The HER2/CEP17 ratio may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer.