HER2 and EGFR in Endometrial Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Konecny G E, Santos L, Winterhoff B, Hatmal M, Keeney G L, Mariani A, Jones M, Neuper C, Thomas B, Muderspach L, Riehle D, Wang H-J, Dowdy S, Podratz K C, Press M F
Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic
Hypothesis
HER2 and EGFR may be differentially expressed in type II endometrial cancer.
Conclusion
Assessment of HER2 gene amplification and/or EGFR expression may help to select type II endometrial cancer patients who could benefit from targeted therapies.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher rates of HER2 gene amplification were found in type II EC compared to type I EC (17% vs 1.4%).
- EGFR expression was significantly lower in type II EC compared to type I EC (34% vs 46%).
- EGFR expression was associated with worse overall survival in type II EC patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at how two genes, HER2 and EGFR, behave in a type of cancer called endometrial cancer, finding that some patients might benefit from special treatments targeting these genes.
Methodology
The study analyzed HER2 gene amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and EGFR expression through immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays from 279 patients.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and selection of patients from a single institution.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent all demographics as race data was not collected, and the sample size for type I EC was smaller.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 134 with type II EC and 145 with type I EC, with a median age of 65 for type I and 68 for type II.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.001 for HER2, P=0.041 for EGFR
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.10 – 2.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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