Express Analysis of HER-2/NEU Status in Breast Cancer Biopsy Specimens

Abstract

Hyperexpression of HER-2/neu is found in tissues of 25-30% patients with primary breast cancer. Monotherapy with antitumor drug trastuzumab as second-third line therapy and its combination with cytostatics prolong the interval before disease progress and the overall survival of patients with metastatic HER-2/neu+ tumors. Trastuzumab is now prescribed after evaluation of HER-2/neu status by the immunohistochemical method and/or fluorescent in situ hybridization. We have developed a method for evaluating the HER-2/neu status of breast cancer biopsy specimens by real time reverse transcription PCR. Based on the analysis of published data, six candidate genes in the pericentromer region of chromosome 17 are selected for data normalization. Stability of these genes is verified on the cell model (MCF-7 and SK-BR-3) and on biopsy materials. The sensitivity and specificity of the method is evaluated on a collection of biopsy specimens.

Therapeutic potency of oncolytic virotherapy in breast cancer targeting, current status and perspective

“…Targeted elimination of cells expressing specific breast cancer cell surface markers including receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neuregulin [HER2/neu]) is a highly promising strategy for treating breast cancer. The HER2/neu is overexpressed in 15%‐30% of invasive ovary and breast cancers and is associated with their aggressive pathology . Current treatment approaches for HER2+ breast cancer cells are using HER‐2 targeted monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors .…”

“…The HER2/neu is overexpressed in 15%-30% of invasive ovary and breast cancers and is associated with their aggressive pathology. [35][36][37] Current treatment approaches for HER2+ breast cancer cells are using HER-2 targeted monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. 38 Interestingly, several studies demonstrated that genetically modified oncolytic viruses can specifically target HER-2 expressing cancer cells, which further support the efficacy of this approach in breast cancer treatment.…”