Al-Bdour Mohammad Z, Al-Shimi Rula, Al-Rifai Mohammad J, El-Taani Hani, Nashwan Abdulqadir J
Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Amman, JOR.
Internal Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Amman, JOR.
Cureus. 2024 May 29;16(5):e61305. doi: 10.7759/cureus.61305. eCollection 2024 May.
Recurrent breast cancer presents clinical challenges due to its dynamic nature. Turning human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status from negative to positive upon recurrence is a rare but clinically significant phenomenon that can impact treatment decisions. We present the case of a 63-year-old female initially diagnosed with stage IIIA breast cancer, characterized as HER2-negative. However, upon recurrence eight years later, the patient exhibited HER2 conversion, indicating a positive status. Subsequent treatment adjustments were made based on this new HER2-positive status, leading to complete remission. HER2 conversion underscores the dynamic nature of tumor biology in recurrent breast cancer. This case highlights the importance of re-biopsy for accurate biomarker assessment and the necessity of personalized treatment strategies based on current molecular profiles. Understanding and recognizing HER2 conversion in recurrent breast cancer is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and guiding clinical management decisions. Further research is warranted to elucidate the frequency and clinical implications of HER2 conversion in recurrent breast cancer.
复发性乳腺癌因其动态特性而带来临床挑战。复发时人表皮生长因子受体2（HER2）状态从阴性转变为阳性是一种罕见但具有临床意义的现象，会影响治疗决策。我们报告一例63岁女性患者，最初被诊断为IIIA期乳腺癌，为HER2阴性。然而，八年后复发时，患者出现HER2转化，呈阳性状态。随后根据这一新的HER2阳性状态进行了治疗调整，实现了完全缓解。HER2转化突出了复发性乳腺癌肿瘤生物学的动态特性。该病例强调了重新活检以进行准确生物标志物评估的重要性，以及基于当前分子特征制定个性化治疗策略的必要性。了解和认识复发性乳腺癌中的HER2转化对于优化患者预后和指导临床管理决策至关重要。有必要进一步开展研究以阐明复发性乳腺癌中HER2转化的频率及其临床意义。
