HER2/neu in Endometrial Cancer: A Promising Therapeutic Target With Diagnostic Challenges

Abstract

Context.—In the era of targeted cancer therapy, there is growing interest in developing novel therapeutic strategies against endometrial carcinoma, especially its most biologically aggressive variant, serous adenocarcinoma. Several publications have demonstrated that a significant proportion of uterine serous carcinomas show HER2 overexpression and/or amplification, suggesting that HER2 may be a promising therapeutic target. Case reports have already shown clinical response to trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 antibody against HER2, and patients are currently being enrolled in a multi-institutional prospective randomized trial to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of trastuzumab. Objective.—To review current data on HER2 testing and targeted therapy against HER2/neu in endometrial carcinoma. Data Sources.—Review of the literature and personal experience of the authors. Conclusions.—Parallel to the clinical studies, there is a need to develop standardized criteria for HER2 testing in endometrial carcinoma that reflect the unique biological and pathogenetic features of these tumors and correlate with clinical response to therapy. This article presents a comprehensive review of the current state of HER2-based therapy and HER2 testing in endometrial carcinoma.