Abstract
The HER2/neu (HER2) gene is a member of a family of genes which has been implicated in cancer. These four genes, HER1/EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4 encode for transmembrane proteins that are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Amplification of HER2 occurs in 20%-25% of breast cancers and is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and poor prognosis. Results from five randomized, phase III clinical trials have recently demonstrated that trastuzumab (Herceptin®) significantly improves disease free survival and overall survival when used in conjunction with chemotherapy for early stage HER2- positive breast cancer. Despite adjuvant trastuzumab, approximately 15% of patients with early stage disease recur, and those with metastatic disease eventually become resistant to therapy. Novel treatment approaches are needed for patients who have either intrinsic or acquired resistance to trastuzumab. This article reviews the role of trastuzumab in managing early and advanced stage HER2-positive disease, the role of lapatinib (Tykerb®) in trastuzumab resistant disease, and the novel agents in development targeting mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance.
Keywords: chemotherapy, Trastuzumab Trials, docetaxel, Disease Free Survival, Cardiotoxicity, Lapatinib
Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials
Title: Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Volume: 2 Issue: 2
Author(s): Rita Nanda
Affiliation:
Keywords: chemotherapy, Trastuzumab Trials, docetaxel, Disease Free Survival, Cardiotoxicity, Lapatinib
Abstract: The HER2/neu (HER2) gene is a member of a family of genes which has been implicated in cancer. These four genes, HER1/EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4 encode for transmembrane proteins that are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Amplification of HER2 occurs in 20%-25% of breast cancers and is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and poor prognosis. Results from five randomized, phase III clinical trials have recently demonstrated that trastuzumab (Herceptin®) significantly improves disease free survival and overall survival when used in conjunction with chemotherapy for early stage HER2- positive breast cancer. Despite adjuvant trastuzumab, approximately 15% of patients with early stage disease recur, and those with metastatic disease eventually become resistant to therapy. Novel treatment approaches are needed for patients who have either intrinsic or acquired resistance to trastuzumab. This article reviews the role of trastuzumab in managing early and advanced stage HER2-positive disease, the role of lapatinib (Tykerb®) in trastuzumab resistant disease, and the novel agents in development targeting mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance.
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Cite this article as:
Nanda Rita, Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions, Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials 2007; 2 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157488707780599375
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157488707780599375 |
Print ISSN 1574-8871 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1876-1038 |
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