Progress in targeted therapy for breast cancer
Jie Ju1, An-Jie Zhu1, Peng Yuan2
1Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is a multistep, multifactorial, and heterogeneous disease. Significant transformations have occurred in the systemic management of breast cancer in the past decade. Due to the further understanding of pathogenesis, scientists have found plenty of signaling pathways and correspondingly therapeutic targets in breast cancer, such as hormone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6), poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and programmed death-1 (PD-1). Targeted therapy, which optimizes the accuracy of antitumor activity and minimizes toxicity to normal tissues, plays a crucial role in breast cancer treatment in the era of precision medicine. In this review, we aimed to summarize the latest developments in targeted therapy for breast cancer and discuss the existing problems.
Insights
Targeted therapy has revolutionized breast cancer treatment by focusing on specific pathways like hormone receptor and HER2. This review highlights recent advancements and challenges in precision medicine for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a complex, heterogeneous disease with evolving treatment strategies.
- Understanding cancer pathogenesis has identified numerous signaling pathways and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in targeted therapy for breast cancer.
- To discuss current challenges and future directions in the field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on targeted therapies for breast cancer.
- Analysis of key signaling pathways and their targeted agents.
- Discussion of clinical trial outcomes and resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies, including those against hormone receptor, HER2, CDK4/6, and PARP, have significantly improved outcomes.
- Precision medicine approaches are increasingly important in breast cancer management.
- Emerging targets and resistance mechanisms require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapy is a cornerstone of modern breast cancer treatment, enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity.
- Continued research into novel targets and overcoming resistance is crucial for advancing breast cancer care.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Cancer 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...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Gene Therapy
Group Therapy


