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HER2-low breast cancer: Novel detections and treatment advances
Yun Wu1, Ruiqi Zhong2, Fei Ma1
1Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer (BC), which has the highest cancer incidence in women, seriously threatens women's health. Since human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) characterization, breast cancer treatment has entered an era of individualized targeted therapy. With the emergence of anti-HER2 targeting agents, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have considerably improved the prognosis of HER2-positive BC. However, HER2-low BC, accounting for 45-55% of BC patients, is less likely to benefit from conventional HER2-targeting mAbs. The growing success of the new generation of drugs, especially promising HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugates, has changed the treatment landscape for patients with HER2-low BC, leading to a research boom. HER-2-low BC is a heterogeneous entity, and there many areas remain to be explored. In this article, we review the literature on HER2-low BC, mainly focusing on its detection assays, clinicopathological profiles and treatment landscape, and hopefully provide insight into future perspectives.
Insights
New treatments are improving outcomes for HER2-low breast cancer (BC). This review covers detection, profiles, and treatments for HER2-low BC, offering future insights.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer incidence in women.
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) targeted therapy has revolutionized HER2-positive BC treatment.
- HER2-low BC, comprising 45-55% of cases, shows limited benefit from current HER2-targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on HER2-low breast cancer.
- To focus on detection assays, clinicopathological profiles, and the evolving treatment landscape for HER2-low BC.
- To provide insights into future research directions and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on HER2-low breast cancer.
- Analysis of detection methodologies for HER2-low status.
- Synthesis of data on clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- HER2-low BC represents a significant patient population with distinct biological and clinical features.
- Emerging HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugates show promise for HER2-low BC, altering the treatment paradigm.
- Significant heterogeneity exists within HER2-low BC, necessitating further research.
Conclusions:
- The understanding and treatment of HER2-low BC are rapidly advancing.
- New diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes in HER2-low BC patients.
- Further exploration of HER2-low BC heterogeneity is essential for personalized treatment approaches.
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