HER2 and EGFR gene copy number alterations are predominant in high‐grade salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma irrespective of MAML2 fusion status

• DOI: 10.1111/his.12183
• Publication Date: 2013-05-06T15:11:03Z
• Authors: Takafumi Nakano; Hidetaka Yamamoto; Kazuki Hashimoto; Sadafumi Tamiya; Hideki Shiratsuchi; Torahiko Nakashima; Ken‐ichi Nishiyama; Yuichiro Higaki; Shizuo Komune; Yoshinao Oda
• Keywords: Polysomy; Gene dosage

In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying development of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).In 31 cases, examined MAML2 fusion status using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and HER2 EGFR immunohistochemistry chromogenic in-situ hybridization. fusions were detected in 15 (57.7%) 26 MECs analysed, including 11 16 (68.8%) low-grade, two four (50%) intermediate-grade six (33.3%) high-grade MECs. gene amplification an increased copy number (with balanced chromosome 7 high-polysomy) each 28 (14.3%) analysed. Irrespective status, all seven had either or EGFR, a mutually exclusive manner, whereas such abnormalities extremely rare low- MEC.These results suggest that abnormality could play important role MEC, also progression from fusion-positive low-/intermediate-grade subset MEC. Furthermore, MEC comprises heterogeneous group tumours terms pathogenesis, particular status.