HER-2-targeted therapy: lessons learned and future directions

Clin Cancer Res. 2003 Nov 1;9(14):5078-84.

Abstract

HER-2 is overexpressed in 20-25% of invasive breast cancers and is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and reduced survival rates. The HER-2 status of a tumor is the critical determinant of response to the HER-2-targeted antibody trastuzumab. Thus, accurate assessment of HER-2 expression levels is essential for identifying breast cancer patients who will benefit from HER-2-targeted therapy. Trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy increases response rates, time to progression, and survival. However, the majority of cancers that initially respond to trastuzumab begin to progress again within 1 year. This minireview describes HER-2 targeting strategies currently in use or in stages of development for the treatment of breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab