HER2 status in Barrett's esophagus & esophageal cancer: a meta analysis.
BACKGROUND
The oncogenic potential of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is well known in the context of breast cancer however; its relationship with the development of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and Esophageal Cancer (EC) is unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the overall prevalence and survival of HER2+ in BE & EC.


METHODS
Several databases were searched including article reference lists. Inclusion criteria required that studies measured HER2 positivity in subjects with BE or EC.


RESULTS
33 studies were included in the meta-analysis (10 BE & 23 EC studies). The prevalence of HER2+ was found to be 24% (95% CI: 15-36%) in BE and 26% (95% CI: 19-34%) in EC. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) had a higher ER of 32% (95% CI: 20-48%) in comparison with adenocarcinoma (ADC) with an ER of 21% (95% CI: 14-32%). Sub group analyses showed a high geographical variance, Asia was found to be the highest prevalent area with an ER 42% (95% CI: 22-64%). The difference in survival rate between groups HER2- & HER2+ was found to be 7 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results highlight a high prevalence of HER2+ in subjects with adenocarcinoma. HER2+ appears to decrease the survival time of EC patients.
The Whiteley-Martin Research Centre, The Discipline of Surgery, The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Nepean, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
Ashwini
A
Gowryshankar
The Whiteley-Martin Research Centre, The Discipline of Surgery, The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Nepean, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
Vinayak
V
Nagaraja
The Whiteley-Martin Research Centre, The Discipline of Surgery, The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Nepean, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
Guy D
GD
Eslick
Barrett’s esophagus (BE); Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2); esophageal cancer (EC); meta-analysis