Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Targeting HER2 Positive Breast Cancer with Chemopreventive Agents
1Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 164 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854.
Abstract:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that is exhibited in approximately 20-30% of breast cancer cases. The overexpression of HER2 is typically associated with a more aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Currently, the therapeutic drugs trastuzumab and lapatinib are the most commonly used to combat HER2+ breast cancer. However, tumors can develop resistance to these drugs. A better understanding of the mechanism of how HER2+ breast cancer works will help aid the development for new therapeutic approaches which more closely target the source of the signaling dysfunction. This review summarizes four major points in the context of HER2 over-expressing breast cancer (i) HER2 as a molecular target in breast cancer therapy, (ii) current treatment options as well as ongoing clinical studies, (iii) animal and cellular models for the study of HER2 over-expressing breast cancer, and (iv) future therapies and chemopreventive agents used to target HER2+ breast cancer.
Insights
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer requires new therapies due to drug resistance. Understanding HER2 signaling dysfunction is key to developing targeted treatments for this aggressive cancer subtype.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- HER2+ breast cancer, ~20-30% of cases, presents aggressive disease and poor prognosis.
- Current therapies like trastuzumab and lapatinib face tumor resistance challenges.
- Targeting HER2 signaling dysfunction is crucial for improved therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review HER2 as a molecular target in breast cancer therapy.
- To summarize current treatments and ongoing clinical studies for HER2+ breast cancer.
- To explore animal/cellular models and future therapies, including chemopreventive agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HER2+ breast cancer mechanisms and therapies.
- Analysis of current treatment options and clinical trials.
- Examination of preclinical models and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- HER2 is a significant molecular target, but resistance limits current drug efficacy.
- Various therapeutic approaches are under investigation, including novel agents and combination therapies.
- Preclinical models are vital for understanding resistance mechanisms and testing new interventions.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of HER2+ breast cancer biology is essential for overcoming therapeutic resistance.
- Future research should focus on developing novel targeted therapies and chemopreventive agents.
- Continued investigation into preclinical models will accelerate the discovery of effective treatments for HER2+ breast cancer.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
02:59Cancer Prevention
Some...
02:59Cancer Prevention
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...