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Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
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Treating the HER2 pathway in early and advanced breast cancer

Mark D Pegram1

  • 1Medical Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5456, USA. mpegram@stanford.edu

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
|August 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

ERBB2 gene amplification in breast cancer (BC) drives poor prognosis. Therapies targeting ERBB2 overexpression, including antibodies and inhibitors, have transformed BC treatment, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • ERBB2 gene amplification is found in about 20% of breast cancers.
  • This amplification is linked to a worse clinical outcome and suggests a key role in disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in targeting ERBB2 alterations in breast cancer.
  • To highlight how new data has influenced clinical practice for BC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of randomized phase III clinical trials.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting ERBB2 overexpression.

Main Results:

  • Humanized anti-ERBB2 antibodies demonstrate safety and efficacy.
  • Small molecule ERBB2 kinase inhibitors show proven benefits.
  • ERBB2-targeting antibody-drug conjugates are effective in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies have significantly improved breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • Recent progress in targeting ERBB2 alterations continues to inform clinical practice.
Keywords:
Antibody-drug conjugateHER2 pathwayHuman breast cancers

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