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Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

Growth factor receptors in breast cancer: potential for therapeutic intervention

Rita Nahta1, Gabriel N Hortobágyi, Francisco J Esteva

  • 1Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

The Oncologist
|February 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapies for breast cancer, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecules, show promise. Research focuses on receptor tyrosine kinases like human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) for advanced and adjuvant treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Receptor tyrosine kinases are frequently overexpressed and activated in human breast carcinomas.
  • Targeting these kinases is a key strategy in breast cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the challenges and opportunities in developing growth-factor-targeted therapies for breast cancer.
  • To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trials and drug development pipelines.
  • Analysis of targeted therapies focusing on receptor tyrosine kinases (e.g., HER2, EGFR).

Main Results:

  • Trastuzumab, a HER2-targeting antibody, is approved for HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.
  • Numerous therapies, including small molecules and antibodies targeting growth factor pathways, are in various clinical trial phases (I-III).

Conclusions:

  • Growth-factor-targeted therapies, including biologic agents and small molecules, represent a promising avenue for breast cancer treatment.
  • Further research and clinical trials are essential to overcome challenges and optimize these targeted approaches for improved patient outcomes.

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