HER-2 Overexpression in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Kavanagh Dara O, Chambers Gillian, O' Grady Liam, Barry Kevin M, Waldron Ronan P, Bennani Fadel, Eustace Paul W, Tobbia Iqdam
Primary Institution: Mayo General Hospital
Hypothesis
Is overexpression of HER-2 a predictor of prognosis in colorectal cancer?
Conclusion
Overexpression of HER-2 is not a predictor of outcome in colorectal cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- HER-2 protein is overexpressed in 11% of colorectal cancer patients.
- The HER-2 gene is amplified in 3% of cases.
- There was no correlation between HER-2 overexpression and survival outcomes.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether a protein called HER-2 can help predict how well people with colorectal cancer will do. It found that having too much HER-2 doesn't really help us know if someone will get better or not.
Methodology
The study analyzed clinicopathological data and specimens from 132 patients who underwent colorectal resections, using immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization to detect HER-2 overexpression.
Limitations
The study did not find a correlation between HER-2 overexpression and established prognostic indicators, and the sample may not represent all colorectal cancer patients.
Participant Demographics
The study included 132 patients, with 48 females and 84 males, aged 29 to 89 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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