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Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive breast cancer: Current management of early, advanced, and recurrent

Rena Callahan1, Sara Hurvitz

  • 1University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles,California, USA.

Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|April 19, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is evolving. New targeted therapies and strategies for overcoming resistance show promise in clinical trials, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • HER2-positive breast cancer historically has a poor prognosis.
  • HER2-targeted therapies have significantly altered the disease's natural history.
  • Understanding and overcoming treatment resistance is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • To focus on recent clinical trials and emerging therapeutic agents.
  • To discuss strategies for managing resistant disease and central nervous system metastases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent clinical trials.
  • Analysis of novel agents targeting HER2-amplified breast cancers.
  • Examination of treatment approaches for resistant HER2-positive disease.

Main Results:

  • Continuing trastuzumab with chemotherapy or other HER2-targeted agents benefits patients with trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer.
  • Targeting multiple pathways (VEGF, mTOR, PI3K) alongside HER2 may improve efficacy.
  • Novel anti-HER2 compounds show promising early clinical data.

Conclusions:

  • HER2-targeted therapies have transformed the prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Elucidating resistance mechanisms is key to further treatment success.
  • Exploring new signal transduction blockade methods for HER2 and related pathways is essential.

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