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Updated: Sep 29, 2026

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
06:48

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis

Published on: September 18, 2013

Inhibition of ligand-mediated HER2 activation in androgen-independent prostate cancer

Nerissa Mendoza1, Gail Lewis Phillips, Johnny Silva

  • 1Molecular Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, USA.

Cancer Research
|October 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that targeting the HER2 receptor with an antibody inhibits the growth of hormone-independent prostate cancer cells and tumors. This offers a potential new treatment strategy for advanced prostate cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Hormone-independent prostate cancer growth and metastasis correlate with poor patient outcomes.
  • The role of HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase in androgen-independent prostate cancer requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of ligand-mediated HER2 activation in androgen-independent prostate cancer.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of an anti-HER2 antibody in preclinical models of prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Detection of HER2, HER3, and epidermal growth factor receptor in the 22Rv1 androgen-independent cell line.
  • Assessment of heregulin-induced receptor phosphorylation and cell proliferation.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies using recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody (rhuMAb) 2C4 against HER2.

Main Results:

  • HER2, HER3, and EGFR were present in the 22Rv1 cell line.
  • Heregulin stimulation led to receptor phosphorylation and proliferation, which was blocked by rhuMAb 2C4.
  • rhuMAb 2C4 demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in 22Rv1 xenografts.

Conclusions:

  • Ligand-driven HER2 activation plays a role in androgen-independent prostate cancer tumorigenesis.
  • Anti-HER2 antibody therapy, exemplified by rhuMAb 2C4, shows promise for treating advanced prostate cancer.
  • Further research into the molecular mechanisms of HER2 signaling in prostate cancer is warranted.

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