Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is over-expressed in 15% – 30% of breast cancers. Women with HER2-positive breast cancer tend to have more aggressive cancer, increased risk of recurrence, and less favorable survival outcomes than women with HER2-negative breast cancer. This review focuses on HER2 and its role in breast cancer pathogenesis. We begin by providing background information on the biological function of HER2 and how this gene contributes to breast cancer development and progression. Next, we review the ongoing debate surrounding the accuracy of available modalities for detecting HER2, namely fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) versus immunohistochemistry (IHC). We include current data examining the relationship between HER2 and possible genetic modifiers, such as topoisomerase IIα, BRCA1, and genomic instability in breast cancer subjects, and how these relationships may influence response to current therapies directed against HER2. We then discuss trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat HER2+ breast cancers, and, after providing an overview of the molecular processes involved in targeted therapy, we summarize the current literature regarding outcomes, as well as the potential impact on the overall health of patients, with special attention to cardiac risk involved with such therapy. Finally, we touch on future directions in this field, including newer targeted therapies in development.
Keywords: HER2, breast cancer, human epidermal growth factor receptor
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Title: HER2 in the Era of Molecular Medicine: A Review
Volume: 4 Issue: 1
Author(s): Karen A. Callaghan, Rachel E. Ellsworth, Darrell L. Ellsworth and Craig D. Shriver
Affiliation:
Keywords: HER2, breast cancer, human epidermal growth factor receptor
Abstract: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is over-expressed in 15% – 30% of breast cancers. Women with HER2-positive breast cancer tend to have more aggressive cancer, increased risk of recurrence, and less favorable survival outcomes than women with HER2-negative breast cancer. This review focuses on HER2 and its role in breast cancer pathogenesis. We begin by providing background information on the biological function of HER2 and how this gene contributes to breast cancer development and progression. Next, we review the ongoing debate surrounding the accuracy of available modalities for detecting HER2, namely fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) versus immunohistochemistry (IHC). We include current data examining the relationship between HER2 and possible genetic modifiers, such as topoisomerase IIα, BRCA1, and genomic instability in breast cancer subjects, and how these relationships may influence response to current therapies directed against HER2. We then discuss trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat HER2+ breast cancers, and, after providing an overview of the molecular processes involved in targeted therapy, we summarize the current literature regarding outcomes, as well as the potential impact on the overall health of patients, with special attention to cardiac risk involved with such therapy. Finally, we touch on future directions in this field, including newer targeted therapies in development.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Callaghan A. Karen, Ellsworth E. Rachel, Ellsworth L. Darrell and Shriver D. Craig, HER2 in the Era of Molecular Medicine: A Review, Current Cancer Therapy Reviews 2008; 4 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339408783565529
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339408783565529 |
Print ISSN 1573-3947 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6301 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Current progress in Protein Degradation and Cancer Therapy
argeted Protein Degradation is gaining momentum in cancer therapy, it facilitate targeting undruggable proteins, it overcome cancer resistance and avoid undesirable side effects. Thus small molecules degraders have emerged as novel therapeutic strategy. Targeted protein degradation (TPD), the process of eliminating a protein of interest hold a great promise for ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Human Urotensin II and Metabolic Syndrome
Vascular Disease Prevention (Discontinued) Comparison of High-Sensitive CRP, RDW, PLR and NLR between Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart Failure
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Ring Finger Ubiquitin Protein Ligases and Their Implication to the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Treatment of Fabry Disease: Current and Emerging Strategies
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Identification of Molecular Targets Associated with Ethanol Toxicity and Implications in Drug Development
Current Pharmaceutical Design Strain and Strain Rate Imaging by Echocardiography - Basic Concepts and Clinical Applicability
Current Cardiology Reviews Pharmacogenomics of Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetes and Obesity
Recent Patents on Biotechnology Pituitary Dysfunction as a Cause of Cardiovascular Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Plants as Drugs or Leads Against Protozoan Neglected Diseases – Part I
Current Medicinal Chemistry Genetic Polymorphism of Organic Anion and Cation Transporters: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Consequences in Pharmacotherapy
Current Pharmacogenomics Synthesis and Pharmacological Profile of an Orally-Active Growth Hormone Secretagogue, SM-130686
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Structural Comparison of p38 Inhibitor-Protein Complexes: A Review of Recent p38 Inhibitors Having Unique Binding Interactions
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Current Biology of MTP: Implications for Selective Inhibition
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Nongenomic Actions of Thyroid Hormones: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications. An Update
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Mild Improvement in Mitochondrial Function After a 3-Year Antiretroviral Treatment Interruption Despite Persistent Impairment of Mitochondrial DNA Content
Current HIV Research Pulmonary Hypertension and Systemic Diseases
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy Microcirculation and Heart Failure
Current Pharmaceutical Design SIRT1, a Calorie Restriction Mimetic, in a New Therapeutic Approach for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Vascular Complications
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Emerging Potential of Citrus Flavanones as an Antioxidant in Diabetes and its Complications
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Carnitine Metabolism and Deficit - When Supplementation is Necessary?
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology