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Molecular Targeting of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) Genes across Various Cancers
Elizabeth Rubin1, Khine S Shan1, Shivani Dalal1
1Memorial Cancer Institute, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA.
Abstract:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) belongs to the ErbB family, a group of four transmembrane glycoproteins with tyrosine kinase activity, all structurally related to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These tyrosine kinases are involved in the transmission of cellular signals controlling normal cell growth and differentiation. If this transmission goes awry, it can lead to dysregulated growth of the cell. HER2 specifically can be implicated in the pathogenesis of at least eight malignancies. HER2 positivity quickly became a well-characterized indicator of aggressiveness and poor prognosis, with high rates of disease progression and mortality. After realizing the implication of HER2, it first became investigated as a target for treatment in breast cancer, and later expanded to areas of research in other cancer types. To this day, the most therapeutic advancements of anti-HER2 therapy have been in breast cancer; however, there have been strong advancements made in the incorporation of anti-HER2 therapy in other cancer types as well. This comprehensive review dissects HER2 to its core, incorporating the most up to date information. The topics touched upon are discussed in detail and up to 200 published sources from the most highly recognized journals have been integrated. The importance of knowing about HER2 is exemplified by the groundbreaking advancements that have been made, and the change in treatment plans it has brought to the oncological world in the last twenty years. Since its groundbreaking discovery there have been significant breakthroughs in knowledge regarding the actual receptor, the receptors biology, its mechanism of action, and advancements in tests to detect HER2 and significant strides on how to best incorporate targeted treatment. Due to the success of this field thus far, the review concludes by discussing the future of novel anti-HER2 therapy currently in development that everyone should be aware of.
Insights
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is crucial in cell signaling and implicated in numerous cancers. Anti-HER2 therapies, particularly in breast cancer, have revolutionized treatment and continue to evolve for broader applications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with tyrosine kinase activity, part of the ErbB family.
- Aberrant HER2 signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of at least eight human malignancies, often indicating aggressive disease.
- HER2 positivity is a recognized marker for poor prognosis, associated with high rates of disease progression and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of HER2, integrating the latest scientific information.
- To detail the receptor's biology, mechanism of action, detection methods, and targeted treatment strategies.
- To discuss the future of novel anti-HER2 therapies currently under development.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of up to 200 published sources from highly recognized journals.
- Detailed analysis of HER2 receptor biology, signaling pathways, and clinical implications.
- Integration of current and emerging anti-HER2 therapeutic advancements.
Main Results:
- HER2 plays a critical role in cell growth and differentiation; dysregulation leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
- Anti-HER2 therapy has shown significant success, initially in breast cancer, with expanding applications in other cancer types.
- Advancements include improved HER2 detection tests and refined targeted treatment protocols.
Conclusions:
- HER2 is a pivotal target in oncology, driving significant therapeutic breakthroughs over the past two decades.
- Understanding HER2's role has transformed treatment paradigms, improving patient outcomes.
- Ongoing research into novel anti-HER2 therapies promises further advancements in cancer treatment.
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