HER2-low metastases of HER2-negative primary tumors: a single institution analysis of intertumoral and internodal heterogeneity in node-positive breast cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

HER2 status in breast cancer is an essential parameter in individual therapeutic decision-making and is routinely assessed in primary tumors in accordance with international recommendations. Reports of HER2 heterogeneity raise the question of basing treatment decisions on HER2 status in metastases, if present. We investigated the degree and clinical implications of HER2 heterogeneity in lymph node-positive breast cancer. Because of recent recognition of therapeutic opportunities in this group of tumors, we especially focused on cases involving low-level HER2 expression.

Methods

The HER2 status of primary tumors and of corresponding lymph node metastases was determined in archived material at the protein and gene levels using the gene- protein assay and interpreted

SUBMITTER: Pellas U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10362429 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature