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HER2-Directed Therapy in Advanced Breast Cancer: Benefits and Risks

Pablo Mandó1, Federico Waisberg2, Rosario Pasquinelli1

  • 1Clinical Oncology Department, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas "Norberto Quirno" (CEMIC), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Oncotargets and Therapy
|February 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

New anti-HER2 therapies improve survival for HER2-positive breast cancer but present complex treatment sequencing and unique side effect challenges. Managing resistance and toxicity is key for patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Approximately 20% of breast cancers exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification or overexpression.
  • Anti-HER2 targeted agents form the basis of treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current therapeutic landscape for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (ABC).
  • To evaluate the benefits and risks of emerging anti-HER2 therapies in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of anti-HER2 agents including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
  • Analysis of treatment sequencing, efficacy, and safety profiles in HER2-positive ABC.

Main Results:

  • Overall survival has significantly improved with the introduction of new anti-HER2 agents.
  • Treatment resistance remains a significant challenge in HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • New agents introduce specific adverse events requiring careful patient management.

Conclusions:

  • The evolving therapeutic landscape for HER2-positive ABC offers improved outcomes but necessitates complex treatment decisions.
  • Balancing the benefits and risks of novel anti-HER2 therapies is crucial for optimizing patient care and addressing resistance.
Keywords:
HER2antibody–drug conjugatesbreast cancermonoclonal antibodiestyrosine kinase inhibitors

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