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Updated: May 29, 2026
08:28
Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells
Published on: May 9, 2025
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).
Laura J Tafe1, Gregory J Tsongalis
1Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Medical School, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA. Laura.J.Tafe@hitchcock.org
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|September 17, 2011
Summary
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a key target in cancer therapy. Novel treatments, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule drugs, target HER2, advancing personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The "war on cancer" initiative spurred the development of targeted cancer therapies.
- The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene has emerged as a significant target for novel therapeutics.
- HER2-targeted therapies represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological functions of HER2.
- To discuss the clinical applications of HER2 as a biomarker.
- To explore HER2 as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on HER2 biology and clinical applications.
- Analysis of HER2's role in personalized medicine and companion diagnostics.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting HER2.
Main Results:
- HER2 is a crucial biomarker for disease identification and prognosis.
- Targeting HER2 involves both extracellular monoclonal antibody therapy and intracellular small molecule drugs.
- HER2-targeted therapies exemplify early applications of personalized medicine.
Conclusions:
- HER2 is a validated therapeutic target with significant clinical impact.
- The development of HER2-targeted therapies has advanced personalized cancer care.
- Understanding HER2 biology is critical for developing future cancer treatments.
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