[HER2-positive breast cancer: available targeted agents and biomarkers for therapy response]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Targeted therapy is a cornerstone of modern breast cancer treatment.
• HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) is a key target in breast cancer therapy.
• Current strategies involve hormonal therapy and HER2-pathway modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive summary of HER2-targeted therapies for breast cancer.
• To review approved treatments, ongoing clinical trials, and emerging therapeutic agents.
• To discuss biomarkers, clinical challenges, and future directions in HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of approved monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting HER2.
• Analysis of clinical trials supporting the approval of these agents.
• Overview of agents in early-phase clinical studies targeting related pathways (PI3K, IGFR1, HSP90).

Main Results:

• Approved HER2-targeted therapies include trastuzumab, lapatinib, and pertuzumab.
• Neratinib and afatinib are in advanced clinical studies.
• Negative biomarkers for predicting treatment response are summarized.
• Ongoing research explores agents targeting PI3K, IGFR1, and HSP90 pathways.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in HER2-targeted breast cancer therapy.
• Tumor heterogeneity and diverse clinical study designs present challenges.
• Identification of novel positive biomarkers is essential for future therapeutic breakthroughs.