Gene amplification and overexpression of HER2 in renal cell carcinoma

Latif, Z., Watters, A.D., Bartlett, J.M.S., Underwood, M.A. and Aitchison, M. (2002) Gene amplification and overexpression of HER2 in renal cell carcinoma. BJU International, 89(1), pp. 5-9. (doi: 10.1046/j.1464-410X.2002.02526.x)

Abstract

Objective To determine the frequency of HER2 genetic abnormalities in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and hence assess the potential suitability of Herceptin(TM) immunotherapy. Patients and methods Tumours from 2 7 patients with RCC were assessed: all patients had undergone nephrectomy. Benign renal tissue from the nephrectomy specimens was studied in seven patients. Gene amplification was assessed using fluorescent in- situ hybridization, and protein over-expression using immunohistochemistry. Results Twenty-four patients had clear cell renal carcinoma, two had papillary renal carcinoma and one a sarcomatoid variant carcinoma. There was no HER2 amplification in the tumours or the benign renal tissue. Polysomy 17 was detected in 11 of 27 tumours (41%) and increased HER2 copy number in seven (26%). Both polysomy 17 and increased HER2 copy number were absent in the benign renal tissue. Three tumours (11%) and six of the seven benign renal tissue samples over-expressed the HER2 protein. Conclusions HER2 amplification is absent and protein over-expression uncommon in RCC. This casts doubt on the suitability of Herceptin(TM) in the treatment of RCC.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Aitchison, Mr Michael and Underwood, Mr Mark
• Authors: Latif, Z., Watters, A.D., Bartlett, J.M.S., Underwood, M.A., and Aitchison, M.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer)
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: BJU International
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
• ISSN: 1464-4096
• Copyright Holders: © Copyright 2002 BJU International
• First Published: First published in BJU International 89(1):5-9
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher