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HER2 breast cancer therapies: a review

Conleth G Murphy1, Shanu Modi

  • 1Breast Cancer Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. murpphyc@mskcc.org

Biologics : Targets & Therapy
|August 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

HER2-positive breast cancer, found in up to 30% of cases, is linked to poorer outcomes. Therapies targeting HER2, like trastuzumab and lapatinib, show promise for improving patient results.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • HER2 gene amplification/protein overexpression occurs in 25-30% of breast cancers, correlating with poorer prognosis.
  • HER2-targeted therapies aim to improve outcomes in HER2-normal breast cancer patients.
  • Trastuzumab and lapatinib are key HER2-targeted agents with established efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic rationale and clinical trial data for HER2-targeted therapies.
  • To discuss emerging strategies for targeting the HER2 receptor and its signaling pathway.
  • To provide an overview of novel HER2 antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors, and other agents.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trial data for trastuzumab and lapatinib.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting HER2 and its downstream pathways.
  • Exploration of novel agents including antibody-drug conjugates and HSP90 inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Trastuzumab has improved outcomes in both advanced and early-stage breast cancer.
  • Lapatinib demonstrates activity in advanced breast cancer and is under evaluation for early-stage disease.
  • Various novel agents are under investigation for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies have significantly impacted HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.
  • Ongoing research focuses on novel agents and combination strategies for improved efficacy.
  • Future directions include exploring antibody-drug conjugates, downstream pathway inhibitors, and HSP90 inhibitors.
Keywords:
HER2breast cancerhuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2lapatinibtrastuzumab

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