Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
Building Up a High-throughput Screening Platform to Assess the Heterogeneity of HER2 Gene Amplification in Breast Cancers
Published on: December 5, 2017
Advances in HER2-Targeted Therapy: Novel Agents and Opportunities Beyond Breast and Gastric Cancer
Funda Meric-Bernstam1,2,3, Amber M Johnson2, Ecaterina E Ileana Dumbrava4
1Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. fmeric@mdanderson.org.
Abstract:
The introduction of HER2-targeted therapy for breast and gastric patients with ERBB2 (HER2) amplification/overexpression has led to dramatic improvements in oncologic outcomes. In the past 20 years, five HER2-targeted therapies have been FDA approved, with four approved in the past 8 years. HER2-targeted therapy similarly was found to improve outcomes in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Over the past decade, with the introduction of next-generation sequencing into clinical practice, our understanding of HER2 biology has dramatically improved. We have recognized that HER2 amplification is not limited to breast and gastric cancer but is also found in a variety of tumor types such as colon cancer, bladder cancer, and biliary cancer. Furthermore, HER2-targeted therapy has signal of activity in several tumor types. In addition to HER2 amplification and overexpression, there is also increased recognition of activating HER2 mutations and their potential therapeutic relevance. Furthermore, there is a rapidly growing number of new therapeutics targeting HER2 including small-molecule inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies. Taken together, an increasing number of patients are likely to benefit from approved and emerging HER2-targeted therapies.
Insights
HER2-targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes for breast and gastric cancer patients. Emerging research shows HER2-targeted treatments are effective in other cancers, with new therapies rapidly developing.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- HER2-targeted therapy has revolutionized breast and gastric cancer treatment, with five FDA-approved drugs.
- Advances in next-generation sequencing have deepened the understanding of HER2 biology.
- HER2 alterations are increasingly recognized beyond breast and gastric cancers, including colon, bladder, and biliary tract cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanding role of HER2-targeted therapies in oncology.
- To highlight the recognition of HER2 amplification, overexpression, and mutations in various cancer types.
- To discuss the development of novel HER2-targeting therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HER2-targeted therapies and their clinical applications.
- Analysis of recent advancements in understanding HER2 biology and its therapeutic relevance.
- Survey of emerging HER2-targeting drug classes, including small-molecule inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies.
Main Results:
- HER2-targeted therapies have demonstrated significant efficacy in HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers.
- HER2 alterations are implicated in a broader range of cancers, showing potential for targeted treatment.
- A growing pipeline of novel HER2-targeted agents is under development, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- HER2-targeted therapies represent a critical advancement in cancer treatment, with expanding applications.
- The evolving understanding of HER2 biology supports the development of personalized treatment strategies.
- An increasing number of patients with diverse cancer types may benefit from existing and novel HER2-targeted therapies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
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...
01:16Gastric Motility
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
01:16Gastric Emptying
01:26Gastric Phase of Digestion
When food enters the stomach, it stretches the stomach walls and activates stretch receptors. This triggers local reflexes of the enteric nervous system, mediated through the myenteric plexus. These...
00:59Gene Therapy