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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research article

HER2 overexpression and amplification is present in a subset of ovarian mucinous carcinomas and can be targeted with trastuzumab therapy

Authors: Jessica N McAlpine, Kimberly C Wiegand, Russell Vang, Brigitte M Ronnett, Anna Adamiak, Martin Köbel, Steve E Kalloger, Kenneth D Swenerton, David G Huntsman, C Blake Gilks, Dianne M Miller

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

The response rate of ovarian mucinous carcinomas to paclitaxel/carboplatin is low, prompting interest in targeted molecular therapies. We investigated HER2 expression and amplification, and the potential for trastuzumab therapy in this histologic subtype of ovarian cancer.

Methods

HER2 status was tested in 33 mucinous carcinomas and 16 mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (BOT)). Five cases with documented recurrence and with tissue from the recurrence available for testing were analyzed to determine whether HER2 amplification status changed over time. Three prospectively identified recurrent mucinous ovarian carcinomas were assessed for HER2 amplification and patients received trastuzumab therapy with conventional chemotherapy.

Results

Amplification of HER2 was observed in 6/33 (18.2%) mucinous carcinomas and 3/16 (18.8%) BOT. HER2 amplification in primary mucinous carcinomas was not associated with an increased likelihood of recurrence. The prospectively identified recurrent mucinous carcinomas showed overexpression and amplification of HER2; one patient's tumor responded dramatically to trastuzumab in combination with conventional chemotherapy, while another patient experienced an isolated central nervous system recurrence after trastuzumab therapy.

Conclusion

HER2 amplification is relatively common in ovarian mucinous carcinomas (6/33, 18.2%), although not of prognostic significance. Trastuzumab therapy is a treatment option for patients with mucinous carcinoma when the tumor has HER2 amplification and overexpression.
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Metadata
Title
HER2 overexpression and amplification is present in a subset of ovarian mucinous carcinomas and can be targeted with trastuzumab therapy
Authors
Jessica N McAlpine
Kimberly C Wiegand
Russell Vang
Brigitte M Ronnett
Anna Adamiak
Martin Köbel
Steve E Kalloger
Kenneth D Swenerton
David G Huntsman
C Blake Gilks
Dianne M Miller
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-9-433

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