Response of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive colorectal cancer to lapatinib monotherapy: A case report

Background: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification is a molecular driver for a subset of colorectal cancers (CRCs) and one of the major causes of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment failure. Compared to dual anti-HER2 treatments, which have been shown to be effective in HER2-positive metastatic CRC patients, single-agent anti-HER2 therapy is rarely used to treat CRC.

Case summary: Herein, we report a case of RAS/BRAF-wild-type metastatic CRC that was identified as HER2-positive through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing by next-generation sequencing following the failure of two lines of therapy. Subsequently, the patient was given lapatinib monotherapy that led to a partial response with a progression-free survival of 7.9 mo. Moreover, serial ctDNA detection was used to monitor the efficacy of lapatinib. The aberration of HER2 copy number disappeared when radiographic assessment revealed a partial response. However, a high level of HER2 amplification was detected again at the time of disease progression. Finally, a phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha mutation was identified at the time of tumor progression, which may explain the acquired resistance to lapatinib.

Conclusion: This is the first case report of HER2-positive RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic CRC patient responding to lapatinib monotherapy. It highlights that ctDNA testing is an effective and feasible approach to evaluate the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy.