Cdc7 overexpression is an independent prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.

Background: Cdc7 is a widely expressed protein kinase implicated in cell division, cell cycle checkpoint mechanisms and cancer progression. Recently, it has been suggested as a target for anti-cancer therapy.

Methods: To determine the relationship of Cdc7 protein expression with tumor phenotype, molecular features and prognosis, 1800 colorectal carcinomas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray.

HER-2 amplification is highly homogenous in gastric cancer.

Her-2 is the molecular target for antibody-based treatment of breast cancer (trastuzumab). The potential benefit of anti-Her-2 therapy is currently investigated in several other HER-2-amplified cancers including gastric cancer. Although HER-2 amplification occurs in more than 10% of gastric cancers, potential heterogeneity of HER-2 amplification and overexpression could represent a major drawback for anti-Her-2 therapy.