Study finds HER2 status can change between primary and metastatic breast cancer
February 10, 2011
A study published this month in Clinical Cancer Research suggests that metastatic and primary tumors may vary in terms of HER2 expression. In this study, the researchers compared HER2 status in the primary breast tumor with the corresponding metastasis in 137 tumors. HER2 status was discordant in 14 cases (10%), and it changed more frequently in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers than in negative ones. The patients who changed from negative to positive HER2 status had longer time to progression when treated with Herceptin compared to those who were untreated. This study adds to the body of evidence suggesting that metastatic tumors have a different profile than the primary, and that HER2 reassessment in metastatic lesions should take place and may lead to different treatments.
Citations
Fabi A, Di Benedetto A, Metro G, et al. HER2 protein and gene variation between primary and metastatic breast cancer: significance and impact on patient care.
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