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International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease 5/2007

01-05-2007 | Original Article

HER-2/neu overexpression is an independent prognostic factor in colorectal cancer

Authors: Dong Il Park, Mun Su Kang, Suk Joong Oh, Hong Joo Kim, Yong Kyun Cho, Chong Il Sohn, Woo Kyu Jeon, Byung Ik Kim, Won Kon Han, Hungdai Kim, Seung Ho Ryu, Antonia R. Sepulveda

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 5/2007

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Abstract

Background and aims

The HER-2/neu protein is intimately involved with normal cell proliferation and tissue growth, as it is extensively homologous and is related to the epidermal growth factor receptor. This phenomenon has been most intensively studied in the context of breast carcinoma, in which its amplification and overexpression correlate with the overall course of disease and poor prognoses, and also constitute a predictive factor of poor response to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the expression of HER-2/neu and the clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer, including survival. This study was performed with a view toward the future introduction of Herceptin therapy for colorectal cancer patients.

Patients and methods

HER-2/neu overexpression and gene amplification were examined via semiquantitative standardized immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 137 colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital.

Results

Sixty-five (47.4%) out of 137 patients were determined by immunohistochemistry to have overexpressed HER-2/neu protein. HER-2/neu gene amplification was detected in two patients by FISH. Tumors with HER-2/neu overexpression showed higher postoperative recurrence rate (39.3% vs 14.6%, p=0.013). Tumors with HER-2/neu overexpression were associated with poor 3-year (70.8% vs 83.7%) and 5-year survival rates (55.1% vs 78.3%, p<0.05). Advanced TNM stage, postoperative recurrence, and overexpression of HER-2/neu were found to be independently related to survival by multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

HER-2/neu overexpression may constitute an independent prognostic factor in colorectal cancer patients, and patients exhibiting HER-2/neu overexpression might constitute potential candidates for a new adjuvant therapy which involves the use of humanized monoclonal antibodies.
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Metadata
Title
HER-2/neu overexpression is an independent prognostic factor in colorectal cancer
Authors
Dong Il Park
Mun Su Kang
Suk Joong Oh
Hong Joo Kim
Yong Kyun Cho
Chong Il Sohn
Woo Kyu Jeon
Byung Ik Kim
Won Kon Han
Hungdai Kim
Seung Ho Ryu
Antonia R. Sepulveda
Publication date
01-05-2007
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 5/2007
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-006-0192-8

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