HER-2/neu targeting for recurrent vulvar Paget's disease. A case report and literature review

Amer Karam, Jonathan S. Berek, Amy Stenson, Jian Yu Rao, Oliver Dorigo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The treatment of Paget's disease of the vulva particularly for recurrences can be challenging. Overexpression of the HER-2/neu protein has been found in about 30% of vulvar Paget's cases therefore presenting a potential therapeutic target. Case: We report the case of a 52-year-old patient with persistent Paget's disease of the vulva despite eight surgical excisions over a 15-year period. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated overexpression of the HER-2/neu protein in the vulva resection specimen. Treatment with Trastuzumab resulted in a significant regression of her disease and resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Based on our case report, therapeutic targeting of HER-2/neu for patients with Paget's disease of the vulva using for example Trastuzumab is a potentially effective, alternative approach, and warrants further investigation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)568-571
Number of pages4
JournalGynecologic oncology
Volume111
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • HER-2/neu
  • Paget's
  • Targeted therapy
  • Vulva

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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