Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
[Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer-Which Molecular Tests Are Necessary?]
1Abteilung für Molekulare Onkologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Geburtshilfe und Frauengesundheit, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland.
Abstract:
In recent years, targeted therapy for breast cancer has received increasingly more attention. In addition to hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), the immunohistochemical detection of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in advanced triple-negative breast cancer and the detection of mutations in the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) or BRCA2 gene in the patient's germline and mutations in the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) pathway are currently relevant when making decisions regarding targeted therapy.
Insights
Targeted therapy for breast cancer is evolving. Key factors for treatment decisions include programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes and the PI3K pathway.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Context:
- Targeted therapy is crucial for advanced breast cancer treatment.
- Biomarker identification guides personalized treatment strategies.
- Hormone receptors and HER2 are established targets.
Purpose:
- To highlight current relevant biomarkers for targeted breast cancer therapy.
- To emphasize the role of PD-L1, BRCA1/2, and PI3K pathway in treatment decisions.
Summary:
- Beyond hormone receptors and HER2, PD-L1 immunohistochemistry in advanced triple-negative breast cancer is significant.
- Germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are important considerations.
- Mutations within the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway also inform therapeutic choices.
Impact:
- This information aids oncologists in selecting optimal targeted therapies.
- Improved patient outcomes are expected through precise biomarker-driven treatment.
- Advances in understanding breast cancer molecular subtypes enhance treatment efficacy.

