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Trastuzumab: designer drug or fashionable fad?
A J Freebairn1, A J Last, T M Illidg
1Wessex Cancer Centre, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
Abstract:
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is the first monoclonal antibody to be approved for the treatment of a solid tumour and is directed against the c-erb-B2 receptor. c-erb-B2 is a member of the epidermal growth factor family and approximately 25% of breast cancers express such receptors, which appear to confer a poorer prognosis and may be an indicator of resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. This review assesses the mechanisms of action of trastuzumab, discusses the measurement of the HER-2/neu gene and its products, and describes the preclinical and clinical studies that have been instrumental to date in the emergence of trastuzumab in clinical practice.
Insights
Trastuzumab is a targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. This review details its action, HER2 testing, and clinical evidence supporting its use in treating solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Trastuzumab is a targeted therapy for HER2-positive solid tumors.
- HER2 receptor overexpression is linked to poor prognosis and chemoresistance in breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of action of Trastuzumab.
- To discuss HER2 gene and protein measurement.
- To summarize preclinical and clinical evidence for Trastuzumab's efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of Trastuzumab's mechanism of action.
- Discussion of HER2/neu gene and protein detection methods.
Main Results:
- Trastuzumab targets the c-erb-B2 receptor, a member of the epidermal growth factor family.
- Approximately 25% of breast cancers exhibit HER2 receptor expression.
- Preclinical and clinical data support Trastuzumab's role in cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Trastuzumab represents a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
- Accurate HER2 testing is crucial for patient selection.
- Evidence supports Trastuzumab's efficacy in HER2-positive solid tumors.