Mind the target: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Purpose of reviewIn this article, we briefly summarise the current knowledge about human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC) and provide an overview of the latest published evidence especially regarding standardisation of detection methods/diagnostic criteria, prognostication, prediction and targeted treatments.Recent findingsOver the last 18 months, the results of many studies have been presented confirming the therapeutic potential of established anti-HER2 agents either as a monotherapy or in combination, as well as new anti-HER2 agents like antibody-drug-conjugates and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Also, we have seen confirmation of the utility of liquid biopsy and ctDNA analyses as tool for HER2 detection and patient selection.SummaryDespite concerning only 5% of metastatic CRC, HER2 represents a valuable target for emerging anti-HER2 therapies that might significantly improve the outcome of these patients. Standardising HER2 detection methods/diagnostic criteria, and producing high-quality, randomised evidence are the next challenges to meet the standards of regulatory authorities and ultimately have anti-HER2 agents available for use in routine practice.

HER2 in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Pathology, Somatic Alterations, and Perspectives for Novel Therapeutic Schemes

“…A phase I-II study is evaluating BDC-1001 alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in HER2-positive tumors. Preliminary results showed a clinical benefit in three out of five mCRC patients treated with one PR and two SD in patients with microsatellite-stable tumors [41,64]. Another ongoing study is evaluating BDC-1001 as a single agent or in combination with nivolumab (NCT04278144).…”