Targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) oncogene in colorectal cancer. (6th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siena, S; Sartore-Bianchi, A; Marsoni, S; Hurwitz, H I; McCall, S J; Penault-Llorca, F; Srock, S; Bardelli, A; Trusolino, L
• Is Part Of: Annals of oncology. Volume 29:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 1108
• Page End: 1119
• Publication Date: 2018-04-06
• Subjects: biomarker -- colorectal cancer -- HER2 -- targeted therapies; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.992
• DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0923-7534

Abstract

Abstract: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 ( HER2 ) is an oncogenic driver, and a well-established therapeutic target in breast and gastric cancers. Using functional and genomic analyses of patient-derived xenografts, we previously showed that a subset (approximately 5%) of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors is driven by amplification or mutation of HER2 . This paper reviews the role of HER2 amplification as an oncogenic driver, a prognostic and predictive biomarker, and a clinically actionable target in CRC, considering the specifics of HER2 testing in this tumor type. While the role of HER2 as a biomarker for prognosis in CRC remains uncertain, its relevance as a therapeutic target has been established. Indeed, independent studies documented substantial clinical benefit in patients treated with biomarker-driven HER2-targeted therapies, with an impact on response rates and duration of response that compared favorably with immunotherapy and other examples of precision oncology. HER2-targeted therapeutic strategies have the potential to change the treatment paradigm for a clinically relevant subgroup of metastatic CRC patients.