HER2 protein overexpression and gene amplification in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Abstract

Aim. HER2 overexpression has been reported in a minority of urothelial carcinomas, but little is known about HER2 protein expression and gene alterations in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma, a rare and aggressive variant. The aim of this study was to clarify the HER2 status in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinomas. Methods. Six cases of plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma were included, in which we evaluated HER2 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and HER2 gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results. The patients' ages ranged from 57 to 83 years (mean age, 71 years). Five patients were male and one was female. The ratio of the plasmacytoid component ranged from 30% to 100% (mean, 77%). HER2 expression score was 3+ in 4 cases, 2+ in one case, and negative in one case. HER2 gene amplification was positive in 3 cases, of which 2 cases showed a 3+ HER2 IHC score but one case was negative for HER2 IHC. Another 2 cases showed equivocal HER2 FISH results, and one remaining case was negative for HER2 FISH. Conclusion. Our observation that plasmacytoid urothelial carcinomas frequently demonstrated HER2 protein overexpression provides supporting evidence that HER2 may be a potential therapeutic target for plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma.