Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
High-Throughput Cardiotoxicity Screening Using Mature Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Monolayers
Published on: March 24, 2023
Human epidermal growth factor antagonists and cardiotoxicity-A short review of the problem and preventative measures
A Dias1, W Claudino1, R Sinha2
1Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY, USA.
Abstract:
The Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is a potent mediator of cellular growth and proliferation. It plays an important role in cardiac development and maintaining the physiologic function of an adult heart. Amplification of the HER2 gene, and the corresponding overexpression of the HER2 receptor, occurs in roughly 20% of breast tumors and is associated with a poor outcome. Molecular targeting of the HER2 receptor with the humanized monoclonal antibody, Trastuzumab has improved disease-free and overall survival in patients with both metastatic and early HER2-positive breast cancer. Although trastuzumab is devoid of the classical toxicities associated with chemotherapy, one of the major concerns noted is the occurrence of symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiotoxicity (decline in left-ventricular-ejection-fraction (LVEF). Additionally, newer HER2 therapies such as Lapatinib, Pertuzumab and Ado-trastuzumab (TDM1) are either approved or are being evaluated in clinical trials for cancer therapy. Targeted therapies against HER2 have led to revolutionary strides in breast cancer research and treatment. With the concern of cardiotoxicity caused by these agents, new treatment strategies for preventing cardiac side effects need to be developed. In this review, we discuss the proposed mechanisms of HER 2 antagonist-induced cardiotoxicity and the ways to prevent it.
Insights
Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) targeted therapies improve breast cancer survival but can cause cardiotoxicity. This review explores HER2 antagonist-induced heart damage mechanisms and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression in breast cancer is linked to poor prognosis.
- HER2-targeted therapies like Trastuzumab have significantly improved patient survival.
- Cardiotoxicity, specifically left-ventricular-ejection-fraction (LVEF) decline, is a major concern with HER2-targeted treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the proposed mechanisms of HER2 antagonist-induced cardiotoxicity.
- To discuss strategies for preventing cardiac side effects associated with HER2-targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of proposed mechanisms of HER2 antagonist-induced cardiotoxicity.
- Analysis of current and emerging HER2-targeted therapies (Trastuzumab, Lapatinib, Pertuzumab, Ado-trastuzumab/TDM1).
- Exploration of preventative strategies for cardiotoxicity.
Main Results:
- HER2 antagonists can lead to cardiotoxicity, impacting cardiac function.
- Understanding the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity is crucial for developing preventative measures.
- Newer HER2 therapies are under investigation, necessitating continued research into cardiac safety.
Conclusions:
- Targeted HER2 therapies offer survival benefits but pose a risk of cardiotoxicity.
- Further research into preventing HER2-induced cardiotoxicity is essential for optimizing cancer treatment.
- Developing strategies to mitigate cardiac side effects will enhance the long-term safety of HER2-targeted breast cancer therapies.
More Related Videos
08:03Hybrid Cell Analysis System to Assess Structural and Contractile Changes of Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes for Preclinical Cardiac Risk Evaluation
Published on: October 20, 2022
08:28Validated Immunochemical Assay for Comprehensive Determination of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Released from and Bound to Cells
Published on: May 9, 2025
Related Concept Videos
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
01:27Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents