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Advances in Targeting HER3 as an Anticancer Therapy
Ning Jiang1, Nabil F Saba, Zhuo Georgia Chen
1State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510060, China ; Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365-C Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Chemotherapy Research and Practice
|December 1, 2012
Summary
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (HER3) uniquely impacts cancer therapy by mediating resistance. Targeting HER3 and other ErbB family members shows promise for overcoming treatment challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (HER3/ErbB3) is a key member of the ErbB receptor family.
- HER3 lacks intrinsic kinase activity and functions through heterodimerization with other ErbB receptors.
- Dysregulation of HER3 signaling contributes to cancer development and treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of HER3 in signal transduction pathways.
- To investigate the role of HER3 in acquired resistance to EGFR- and HER2-targeted therapies.
- To review emerging HER3-targeting therapeutics and their clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of HER3 signal transduction mechanisms.
- Analysis of HER3's role in resistance to EGFR and HER2 inhibitors.
- Survey of current clinical developments in HER3-targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- HER3 signaling modulates sensitivity to targeted cancer therapies.
- HER3 plays a significant role in acquired resistance to EGFR and HER2 inhibitors.
- Novel HER3-targeting agents are under investigation for combination therapies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding HER3's mechanism is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
- Targeting HER3 offers a strategy to overcome resistance to existing therapies.
- Combination strategies involving HER3 inhibitors show potential in clinical settings.
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