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Antibody therapy for breast cancer
Amina Willems1, Katja Gauger, Cordula Henrichs
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
Anticancer Research
|July 22, 2005
Summary
Trastuzumab is a targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, showing good tolerance and efficacy. Research is ongoing for new combinations and treatments for HER2-negative tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Targeted therapies are crucial for individualized breast cancer treatment.
- Antibody therapy, like trastuzumab, is an established option for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and tolerability of trastuzumab in breast cancer treatment.
- To highlight ongoing research into new therapeutic combinations and agents for HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data and ongoing trials for trastuzumab.
- Evaluation of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) for HER2/neu assessment.
- Assessment of cardiotoxicity and combination therapies.
Main Results:
- Trastuzumab is effective in HER2/neu-positive advanced breast cancer, especially with chemotherapy.
- Cardiotoxicity is a concern, particularly with doxorubicin, necessitating monitoring.
- New agents like 2C4 (Pertuzumab) show promise for HER2-targeted therapy.
Conclusions:
- Trastuzumab is a well-tolerated, effective targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Further research is needed for novel targeted therapies for HER2-negative breast cancer and improved combinations.