Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
14:20

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?

Published on: June 13, 2014

Her2-positive breast cancer: herceptin and beyond

Windy Dean-Colomb1, Francisco J Esteva

  • 1Department of Cancer Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|November 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Trastuzumab is a key treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, but resistance is common. Research focuses on overcoming this resistance and finding new therapies for HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Breast cancer is a leading cause of new cancer cases, with approximately 25% overexpressing the HER2 receptor.
  • HER2 overexpression is linked to aggressive disease and poorer survival outcomes.
  • Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody, is the standard targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore strategies for overcoming resistance to trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • To investigate novel therapeutic agents for HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.
  • To enhance the efficacy of trastuzumab through combination therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Elucidating mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic targets and agents.
  • Developing combination treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Trastuzumab is effective but not universally successful due to resistance.
  • Significant research efforts are underway to address treatment limitations.
  • New therapeutic avenues are being explored to improve outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Overcoming trastuzumab resistance is crucial for improving outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Combination therapies and novel agents hold promise for future treatment.
  • Continued research is essential to develop more effective treatments for this patient population.

More Related Videos

Quantifying Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in a Tumor Spheroid Model: Application for Drug Discovery13:19

Quantifying Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in a Tumor Spheroid Model: Application for Drug Discovery

Published on: April 26, 2024

Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down08:59

Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down

Published on: December 11, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...