Identification of a therapeutic target using molecular sequencing for treatment of recurrent uterine serous adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Uterine serous adenocarcinoma is a rare but highly malignant form of endometrial cancer, comprising over 50% of recurrences and deaths from endometrial cancer. We report a case of a 68-year old woman with recurrent uterine serous adenocarcinoma who underwent molecular testing and genetic sequencing of her tumor. She was found to have focal amplification of ERBB2 confirmed by amplification and overexpression of HER2/neu via fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Given the identification of this potential target and progression of disease, trastuzumab was added to the patient's chemotherapy regimen with ultimate complete response. Keywords: Uterine papillary serous carcinoma, Trastuzumab, Precision medicine, Genetic sequencing, HER2/neu, Uterine serous adenocarcinoma, uterine serous carcinoma