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The HER family and cancer: emerging molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Natalia V Sergina1, Mark M Moasser

  • 1University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|November 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family is crucial in cell function and cancer. Targeting HER signaling offers promising anticancer therapies, despite emerging resistance mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family comprises transmembrane tyrosine kinases regulating cellular functions.
  • Deregulation of HER signaling via gene amplification or mutation is implicated in numerous human tumors.
  • HER family members are validated targets for antibody and small-molecule anticancer therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding HER signaling in cancer.
  • To discuss the development and challenges of HER-targeting anticancer drugs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in HER signaling.
  • Analysis of experimental evidence supporting the role of HER in cancer pathogenesis.
  • Examination of clinical data on HER-targeting agents and resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • HER signaling deregulation is a key event in cancer pathogenesis.
  • Several HER-targeting agents are clinically approved, demonstrating therapeutic potential.
  • Novel resistance mechanisms to HER-targeted therapies have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting HER signaling remains a critical strategy in rational cancer drug design.
  • Understanding and overcoming resistance mechanisms are essential for next-generation HER-targeted cancer therapies.

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