HER2-positive or ERBB2-amplified metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a small but crucial subgroup of the disease given the emergence of HER2-targeted therapies. This research used the Flatiron Health-Foundation Medicine CRC Clinico-Genomic Database to assess the frequency and prognostic impact of ERBB2 amplification in mCRC. Additionally, researchers aimed to evaluate real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) in patients with ERBB2 amp+ versus amp− mCRC receiving first-line doublet chemotherapy with either an anti-EGFR antibody or bevacizumab.
The study found that among 5,545 patients, 144 had ERBB2 amp+ mCRC. These patients demonstrated significantly worse rwPFS and this trend was consistent even when patients received chemotherapy combined with anti-EGFR antibodies or bevacizumab.
The findings underscore the clinical relevance of the ERBB2 amp+ subgroup in mCRC, revealing poorer progression-free survival with current first-line treatments. This highlights an urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies tailored to this subgroup. Understanding these dynamics can guide the development of targeted therapies, potentially improving outcomes for patients with ERBB2-amplified mCRC