ERBB2 mutation: A promising target in non-squamous cervical cancer

Abstract

Objective: ERBB2 mutations have been found in a subset of invasive cervical cancer (ICC). Nevertheless, the prevalence, mutation spectrum, clinicopathological relevance, human papillomavirus (HPV)-genotype association and prognostic significance of ERBB2-mutated ICCs have not been well established.

Methods: In this study, ICC samples (N=1015) were assessed for mutations in ERBB2, KRAS, and PIK3CA by cDNA-based Sanger sequencing.

Results: Somatic ERBB2 mutations were detected in 3.15% patients. The ERBB2 mutation rate was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma (4.52%, 7/155), adenosquamous carcinoma (7.59%, 6/79) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (10.34%, 3/29) than that in squamous carcinoma (2.14%, 16/749) (P=0.004, Fisher exact test). In addition, 18.75% of the patients carrying ERBB2 mutations concomitantly harbored PIK3CA or KRAS mutations. Patients with ERBB2-mutated ICCs tended to have a worse prognosis than those with wild-type or PIK3CA-mutated ICCs but a better prognosis than those with KRAS-mutated ICCs.

Conclusions: This study provided a promising rationale for the clinical investigation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cervical cancer with ERBB2 mutations. Patients with non-squamous cell carcinomas have priority as candidates for ERBB2-targeted therapy. Concurrent PIK3CA/RAS mutations should be considered in the design of clinical trials.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; ERBB2 mutation; KRAS mutation; PIK3CA mutation; Targeted therapy.