Quantification of HER2 heterogeneity in breast cancer-implications for identification of sub-dominant clones for personalised treatment.

ABSTRACT: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, at both an inter- and intra-tumoural level. Appreciating heterogeneity through the application of biomarkers and molecular signatures adds complexity to tumour taxonomy but is key to personalising diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The extent to which heterogeneity exists, and its interpretation remains a challenge to pathologists. Using HER2 as an exemplar, we have developed a simple reproducible heterogeneity index. Cell-to-cell HER2 heterogeneity was extensive in a proportion of both reported 'amplified' and 'non-amplified' cases. The highest levels of heterogeneity objectively identified occurred in borderline categories and higher ratio non-amplified cases. A case with particularly striking heterogeneity was analysed further with an array of

SUBMITTER: Buckley NE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4800308 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature