Published online Jun 16, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i17.5923
Peer-review started: January 25, 2022
First decision: March 16, 2022
Revised: March 18, 2022
Accepted: April 4, 2022
Article in press: April 4, 2022
Published online: June 16, 2022
Human epidermal receptor-2 (HER-2) expression has been reported to be discordant between primary tumor and metastatic tissue.
We presented a case diagnosed with the HER-2+ breast cancer patient who exhibited changes in the expression of HER-2 receptors on tumour samples from surgical specimens obtained after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) compared with initial biopsy. The patient underwent a HER-2-targeted therapy consequently, in spite of HER+ gene loss. After the surgery, the patient subsequently underwent endocrine therapy and radiotherapy.
Changes in HER-2 expression after NAT should be retested by physicians and pathologists before systemic treatment instead of avoiding further HER-2-targeted therapy, and we will perform immunohistochemical multiple-spot biopsy analyses of other important clinical issues to better define prognosis and tailor subsequent adjuvant therapy.
Core Tip: We presented a case diagnosed with the human epidermal receptor(HER)-2+ breast cancer patient who exhibited changes in the expression of HER-2 receptors on tumour samples from surgical specimens obtained after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) compared with initial biopsy. Changes in HER-2 expression after NAT should be retested by physicians and pathologists before systemic treatment instead of avoiding further HER-2-targeted therapy. In general, the exact mechanisms of HER-2 discordance remain unknown and further investigations are needed.