Loss of human epidermal receptor-2 in human epidermal receptor-2+ breast cancer after neoadjuvant treatment: A case report
Source : https://www.wjgnet.com/2307-8960/full/v10/i17/5923.htm
The Human epidermal receptor-2 (HER-2) gene is over-expressed in approximately 15%-20% of primary breast cancers, and HER-2-targeted therapies are associated with significantly improved survival. Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) is the standard of care for HER-2-positive early breast cancer, especially for positive pathologic axillary lymph nodes.
Core Tip: We presented a case diagnosed with the human epidermal receptor(HER)-2 breast cancer patient who exhibited changes in the expression of HER-2 receptors on tumour samples from surgical specimens obtained after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) compared with initial biopsy. Changes in HER-2 expression after NAT should be retested by physicians and pathologists before systemic treatment instead of avoiding further HER-2-targeted therapy. In general, the exact mechanisms of HER-2 discordance remain unknown and further investigations are needed.
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Sarah Mougalian, Yale Cancer Center3yrExcept that these patients would have been included in KATHERINE (which did not include repeat HER2 testing after neoadjuvant therapy and surgery), and particularly now given DESTINY-Breast04 findings, raises the question that patients may benefit even if HER2 expression changes.