[Combination Therapy of Molecular-Targeted Drugs for Breast Cancer -- Their Potential in the Future]
Maiko Okano1, Tohru Ohtake, Shigehira Saji
1Dept. of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine.
Abstract:
In breast cancer treatment, molecular-targeted drugs such as trastuzumab and lapatinib have been used for many y ears, and the benefits have been seen in many patients. The molecular-targeted drugs have mainly been used in combination with cytotoxic agents; however, combination therapies with 2 molecular-targeted drugs are currently being investigated. The combination therapy of 2 HER2 receptor antibodies, pertuzumab and trastuzumab, has tremendous benefit for HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer patients. However, the combination of trastuzumab with tyrosine-kinase inhibitor lapatinib showed small benefits and its usage is limited. The combination of T-DM1 plus pertuzumab was not anymore effective than T-DM1 alone. The potentials of combined hormone therapies have been examined for ages. The combination of fulvestrant and aromatase inhibitor(AI)was shown to be beneficial in one phase III study; however, a conflicting result was reported by another large trial. To overcome hormone therapy resistance, the combinations of hormone therapy drugs with mTOR inhibitors(everolimus), pan-PI3K inhibitor(buparlisib), and CDK4/6 inhibitors(palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib)are being investigated in various settings.
Insights
Combining targeted therapies shows promise in breast cancer treatment. Research explores novel drug combinations to improve outcomes for patients with HER2-positive or hormone-resistant breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Molecular-targeted drugs like trastuzumab are established in breast cancer treatment, often with cytotoxic agents.
- Combination therapies using two molecular-targeted drugs are under investigation to enhance efficacy.
- Hormone therapy resistance is a significant challenge in breast cancer management.
Purpose:
- To review the current landscape and emerging strategies for combination therapies in breast cancer treatment.
- To evaluate the efficacy and limitations of various dual molecular-targeted drug combinations.
- To explore novel combinations aimed at overcoming hormone therapy resistance.
Summary:
- Dual HER2 receptor antibody combination (pertuzumab and trastuzumab) shows significant benefit in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
- Trastuzumab combined with lapatinib yielded limited benefits, restricting its clinical use.
- Investigating combinations of hormone therapy with mTOR inhibitors, pan-PI3K inhibitors, and CDK4/6 inhibitors to address treatment resistance.
Impact:
- Dual HER2 blockade offers a potent strategy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
- Identifying effective combinations is crucial for improving patient outcomes and overcoming resistance mechanisms.
- Future research directions focus on novel combinations to enhance therapeutic benefits in diverse breast cancer subtypes.
More Related Videos
13:19Quantifying Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in a Tumor Spheroid Model: Application for Drug Discovery
Published on: April 26, 2024
14:20Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
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...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies