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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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
Research Progress of HER2 in Cervical Carcinoma
Xinru Yang1, Yi Tang1, Genyun Liu2
1The Affiliated Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major gynecological malignancy worldwide, and patients with recurrent, metastatic, or treatment-resistant disease continue to have limited therapeutic options. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a proto-oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase involved in tumorigenesis and progression through gene amplification, activating mutation, and protein overexpression. Although HER2 has been extensively studied and successfully targeted in breast and gastric cancers, its biological and therapeutic significance in CC remains less clearly defined and appears to vary according to histological subtype and molecular context. Current evidence suggests that HER2 alterations are relatively uncommon in unselected CC populations but may be enriched in selected adenocarcinoma subgroups, including gastric-type and other human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent variants. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding the structure, function, expression patterns, prognostic implications, testing criteria, and therapeutic relevance of HER2 in CC. Particular attention is given to HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugates, especially trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), which have emerged as an important recent therapeutic advance and have renewed interest in HER2 as an actionable target in selected patients with HER2-expressing cervical carcinoma. This review further highlights the need for biomarker-driven patient selection, standardized HER2 assessment, and rational integration of HER2-directed strategies into precision treatment for CC.
Insights
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a target in cervical cancer (CC). HER2-directed therapies, like trastuzumab deruxtecan, show promise for specific CC patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant global gynecological malignancy with limited options for recurrent or resistant disease.
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is implicated in tumorigenesis but its role in CC is less defined than in breast or gastric cancers.
- HER2 alterations are infrequent in general CC populations but may occur in specific adenocarcinoma subtypes, particularly HPV-independent variants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the structure, function, expression, prognostic value, testing, and therapeutic relevance of HER2 in cervical cancer.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of HER2-directed agents, focusing on trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd).
- To emphasize the importance of biomarker-driven selection, standardized HER2 assessment, and precision treatment strategies for CC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current evidence on HER2 in cervical cancer.
- Focus on HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugates, specifically trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd).
- Discussion of prognostic implications, testing criteria, and therapeutic relevance.
Main Results:
- HER2 expression and its therapeutic significance in CC vary by histological subtype and molecular context.
- Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) represents a significant therapeutic advance for HER2-expressing cervical carcinoma.
- HER2 is an actionable target in selected CC patients, necessitating precise patient selection.
Conclusions:
- HER2-directed therapies offer new hope for specific cervical cancer patient populations.
- Biomarker-driven patient selection and standardized HER2 assessment are crucial for effective treatment.
- Integrating HER2-directed strategies into precision medicine paradigms is essential for improving CC outcomes.