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Current and future therapies for targeting HER2 mutations in gastrointestinal cancer

Imane El Dika1, David H Ilson1,2

  • 1a Department of Medicine , Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York , NY , USA.

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|August 11, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeting HER2-positive gastrointestinal (GI) cancers shows promise. Trastuzumab is approved for esophagogastric cancer, and new HER2 therapies are being developed for other GI cancers, including colorectal cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a leading cause of cancer worldwide.
  • Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is expressed in various GI cancer types.
  • Targeted therapies for HER2-positive cancers have advanced significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current progress and future directions of HER2-targeted therapies in GI cancers.
  • To discuss the role of HER2 in esophagogastric, pancreaticobiliary, and colon cancers.
  • To explore novel agents and combinations for HER2-positive GI malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on HER2-targeted therapies in GI cancers.
  • Analysis of approved and investigational anti-HER2 agents.
  • Examination of HER2 expression and its implications in different GI cancer subtypes.

Main Results:

  • Trastuzumab is currently the only approved anti-HER2 therapy for metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.
  • Ongoing research focuses on expanding HER2-targeted therapy to other GI cancers and overcoming drug resistance.
  • HER2 overexpression in colorectal cancer may confer resistance to anti-EGFR therapy and presents a potential therapeutic target.

Conclusions:

  • HER2 is a promising drug target in GI cancers, exemplified by ongoing genomically-selected pan-tumor targeted therapy development.
  • Further research is needed to expand the efficacy of HER2-targeted therapies across various GI cancer types and stages.
  • Developing novel agents and combination strategies is crucial for improving outcomes in HER2-positive GI cancers.
Keywords:
ERBB2Gastrointestinal cancerHER2biliary cancerscolon cancerpancreas cancer

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