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Targeted Therapies in HER2-Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer

Soumaya Labidi1, Nesrine Mejri1, Aymen Lagha1

  • 1Medical oncology department, Abderrahmane Mami Hospital, University of medicine Tunis-University El Manar, Ariana, Tunisia.

Breast Care (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) positive breast cancer benefits from targeted therapies like trastuzumab. New treatments address resistance and toxicity, but optimal sequencing of anti-HER2 drugs requires further research.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • HER2 amplification occurs in 25-30% of breast cancers, correlating with aggressive disease.
  • Anti-HER2 therapies, including trastuzumab, have improved outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Resistance to trastuzumab necessitates development of novel anti-HER2 agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current anti-HER2 targeted therapies for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
  • To discuss the challenges of drug resistance and toxicity associated with anti-HER2 treatments.
  • To highlight the ongoing need for establishing optimal sequencing of anti-HER2 therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies and therapeutic guidelines.
  • Analysis of efficacy and safety data for various anti-HER2 agents.
  • Discussion of resistance mechanisms and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Multiple anti-HER2 therapies (trastuzumab, lapatinib, pertuzumab, T-DM1) are available.
  • These therapies have significantly improved survival in HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Optimal sequencing and management of toxicities remain key clinical questions.

Conclusions:

  • Anti-HER2 therapies have transformed the treatment landscape for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
  • Understanding and overcoming resistance mechanisms are crucial for further therapeutic advancements.
  • Careful management of treatment-related toxicities is essential given improved patient survival.
Keywords:
HER2Metastatic breast cancerTargeted therapy

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