Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Targeting HER2 Breast Cancer: A Novel Approach

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality in women, characterized by heterogeneity.
• HER2 overexpression in 15-30% of invasive BC cases is linked to aggressive disease and poor prognosis.
• Molecular imaging provides sensitive and specific tumor detection by assessing cellular-level biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate HER2-targeting aptamers for molecular imaging in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC).
• To explore the potential of aptamers as an alternative to antibodies and nanobodies for HER2 imaging.
• To recommend future research directions for aptamer-based HER2-positive BC diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Review and evaluation of existing HER2-specific aptamers and their applications in molecular imaging.
• Assessment of aptamer functionalization with radioisotopes for targeted imaging.
• Comparison of aptamer-based imaging with antibody and nanobody approaches.

Main Results:

• Aptamers demonstrate remarkable binding specificity and affinity for HER2.
• Radioisotope conjugation to aptamers does not compromise their target binding functionality.
• Aptamers offer a viable platform for developing sensitive and specific molecular imaging agents for HER2-positive BC.

Conclusions:

• HER2-targeting aptamers are a promising tool for molecular imaging in HER2-positive breast cancer.
• Aptamers overcome limitations associated with radioisotope conjugation in antibodies and nanobodies.
• Further investigation into HER2 aptamers is recommended for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.