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Deviating HER2 status between primary breast carcinomas and their liver metastases
Yuexia Chen1, Liu Yang1, Wei Qu1
1Department of Pathology, Nanchang People's Hospital (formerly The Third Hospital of Nanchang), Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
Frontiers in Oncology
|December 8, 2025
Summary
HER2 heterogeneity is common in metastatic breast cancer, affecting 38% of patients. Monitoring HER2 expression is crucial for treatment decisions and improving outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- HER2 heterogeneity is observed between primary and metastatic breast cancer.
- This heterogeneity can impact treatment strategies and patient prognosis in metastatic breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate HER2 heterogeneity in primary breast lesions and liver metastases.
- To assess the impact of HER2 heterogeneity on prognosis in breast cancer patients with liver metastases.
Main Methods:
- HER2 expression was categorized (HER2-0, low, positive) using IHC or FISH in 87 patients.
- Chi-square tests analyzed associations between HER2 heterogeneity and clinicopathological features.
- Kaplan-Meier survival and COX regression analyses evaluated prognosis.
Main Results:
- HER2 heterogeneity was present in 38% of patients with primary breast cancer and liver metastases.
- Older age (≥ 50 years) and high ER heterogeneity were linked to HER2 heterogeneity.
- Heterogeneous PR expression was an independent risk factor for disease-free survival.
Conclusions:
- HER2 heterogeneity exists in both primary breast cancer and liver metastases.
- Continuous monitoring of molecular markers like HER2 is vital for therapeutic opportunities in breast cancer care.
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