Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Additional Her 2/neu gene copies in patients with Sézary syndrome.

Utikal J, Poenitz N, Gratchev A, Klemke CD, Nashan D, Tüting T, Goerdt S

Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany. Jochen.Utikal@haut.ma.uni-heidelberg.de

BACKGROUND: Her 2/neu gene amplification has been reported in several types of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies against the Her 2/neu receptor are used as a treatment in e.g. metastatic breast cancer. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of additional Her 2/neu gene copies in relations to the number of chromosome 17 centromeres of patients with Sézary syndrome. METHODS: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes specific for the Her 2/neu gene locus and the centromere of chromosome 17 was performed on nuclei from peripheral blood cells of 9 patients with Sézary syndrome. For analysis of Her 2/neu protein expression immunostaining was performed. In addition, FISH was used to analyze distribution of typical lymphocytes on cryo-cut sections of affected skin of two patients. RESULTS: 7/9 cases showed additional Her 2/neu gene copies in relation to the number of chromosome 17 centromeres. 4/5 cases with additional Her 2/neu gene copies in which immunostaining was performed expressed Her 2/neu protein. On cryo-cut sections atypical lymphocytes with additional Her 2/neu gene copies were detected in the dermis as well as in the epidermis of affected skin. DISCUSSION: These data suggest that Her 2/neu might be involved in the pathogenesis of Sézary syndrome and that Her 2/neu might be a promising target for antitumor therapy in a subgroup of patients.

Published 28 March 2006 in Leuk Res, 30(6): 755-60.
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