HER-2 gene amplification in pancreatic cancer

Introduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) has been implicated in malignant transformation and metastasis formation. In pancreatic cancer HER2 overexpression detected by immunohisto-chemistry varies between 17–82%. The success of HER-2 neutralizing antibodies in breast cancer treatment suggests beneficial effect of this treatment in tumors overexpressing HER-2. However, it is still controversial whether gene amplification or protein detection is required for the initiation of the treatment. Aim: To correlate HER-2 DNA amplification and protein overexpression in human pancreatic cancer. Material and…