Advances in endocrine and targeted therapy for hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer (BC) accounts for nearly 70% of cases.
• Endocrine therapy is the primary treatment, but resistance can develop.
• Understanding endocrine resistance mechanisms drives the development of novel targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging targeted therapies for HR+, HER2- advanced BC.
• To discuss the role of specific targeted agents in overcoming endocrine resistance.
• To highlight the importance of considering acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of endocrine therapy and targeted drug development for HR+, HER2- BC.
• Analysis of clinical efficacy and resistance mechanisms associated with targeted agents.
• Synthesis of current treatment strategies and future directions.

Main Results:

• Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are more effective than tamoxifen for advanced HR+, HER2- BC.
• Fulvestrant is a preferred option for patients with prior endocrine exposure.
• Targeted therapies including CDK4/6, mTOR, PI3K, and HDAC inhibitors show significant promise.

Conclusions:

• Targeted therapies are crucial in managing endocrine-resistant HR+, HER2- advanced BC.
• CDK4/6 inhibitors are increasingly utilized, necessitating research into acquired resistance mechanisms.
• Continued investigation into novel therapeutic strategies is essential for improving patient outcomes.