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Targeting HER2-positive breast cancer: advances and future directions

Sandra M Swain1, Mythili Shastry2, Erika Hamilton2,3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and MedStar Health, Washington, DC, USA. sandra.swain@georgetown.edu.

Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|November 7, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The discovery of HER2 as a therapeutic target revolutionized HER2-positive breast cancer treatment. Newer therapies continue to advance treatment, addressing resistance and exploring immunotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • HER2-positive breast cancer is highly aggressive.
  • HER2 was identified as a key therapeutic target, leading to targeted drug development.
  • Trastuzumab, the first HER2-targeted drug, was approved nearly 25 years ago.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current standards of care for HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • To discuss mechanisms of resistance to HER2-targeted therapies.
  • To explore novel therapeutic approaches and agents, including immunotherapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical trials and research on HER2-targeted therapies.
  • Analysis of established and emerging treatment strategies for HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Examination of resistance mechanisms and immunotherapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Significant clinical activity observed with monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates targeting HER2.
  • Development of newer platforms and more targeted therapies is ongoing.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for improving treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • HER2-targeted therapy has transformed the treatment landscape for HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Continued research is essential to overcome resistance and develop next-generation therapies.
  • Harnessing the immune system presents a promising avenue for future treatment strategies.

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