Targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in gynecologic malignancies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the role of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as a biomarker and potential target in gynecologic malignancies and to describe contemporary updates in the use of anti-HER2 treatments for these cancers.

RECENT FINDINGS: Approximately 25-30% of all patients with uterine serous carcinoma overexpress tumoral HER2. The anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab represents an effective, targeted therapy with significant efficacy in the treatment of HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer. Recently, trastuzumab efficacy has also been demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial of women with advanced or recurrent uterine serous carcinoma. Additionally, trastuzumab may be effective in women with HER2-positive uterine carcinosarcoma. The role of anti-HER2 therapy is unclear in women with other gynecologic malignancies but is being evaluated.

SUMMARY: HER2 amplification/overexpression is an effective therapeutic target in select gynecologic malignancies, and especially in the rare endometrial cancer subtype, uterine serous carcinoma. As anti-HER2-targeted therapies become increasingly available, more treatment options may become available for women with HER2-positive disease.