A case series of patients with HER2-overexpressed primary metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) is associated with an aggressive metastatic phenotype in patients with breast cancer but its prognostic impact is not well-characterized in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective series of three cases of HER2-positive gastroesophageal cancer.

RESULTS: In this case series, we describe three patients presenting with widespread metastatic disease prior to development of symptoms from the primary tumor. Two patients presented with brain metastases, while one demonstrated lymphangitic spread to lungs.

CONCLUSION: Pooled analyses of outcomes among sub-populations of contemporary trials are needed to better understand the natural history and prognostic impact of HER2 over-expression in patients with gastroesophageal cancers.