A subset of gastric cancers with EGFR amplification and overexpression respond to cetuximab therapy

Sci Rep. 2013 Oct 21:3:2992. doi: 10.1038/srep02992.

Abstract

A preclinical trial identified 4 of 20 (20%) gastric cancer (GC) patient-derived xenografts responded to cetuximab. Genome-wide profiling and additional investigations revealed that high EGFR mRNA expression and immunohistochemistry score (3+) are associated with tumor growth inhibition. Furthermore, EGFR amplification were observed in 2/4 (50%) responders with average copy number 5.8 and >15 respectively. Our data suggest that a GC subtype with EGFR amplification and overexpression benefit from cetuximab treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cetuximab
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Amplification*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Expression*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Burden / drug effects
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Cetuximab