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Expression of gp 185 HER‐2 in human cutaneous melanoma: Implications for experimental immunotherapeutics
Author(s) -
Natali Pier Giorgio,
Nicotra Maria Rita,
Digiesi Giovanna,
Cavaliere Renato,
Bigotti Aldo,
Trizio Domenico,
Segatto Oreste
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.2910560308
Subject(s) - melanoma , expression (computer science) , cancer research , biology , oncology , medicine , pathology , computer science , programming language
Over‐expression of the HER‐2 oncogene correlates with poor prognosis in breast and ovarian carcinomas. Using a sensitive immunohistochemical assay, we have detected low levels of gp 185 HER‐2 in intradermal nevi (78%) and in primary (75%) and metastatic melanomas (58%). The HER‐2 gene product expressed by cultured melanoma cells had the expected molecular weight, but no levels of tyrosine phosphorylation could be detected. Consistently, we were unable to inhibit in vitro growth of melanoma cells with an anti‐gp 185 HER‐2 MAb, in conditions in which the growth of SKBr‐3 breast‐carcinoma cells was severely impaired. However, immunotoxins to gp 185 HER‐2 were able to kill gp 185 Her‐2 ‐positive melanoma cells. These data indicate that low levels of gp 185 HER‐2 are expressed by the melanocyte lineage, with no correlation with transformation or tumor progression. Nevertheless, gp 185 HBR‐2 appears a suitable target for immunotherapy of cutaneous melanoma.